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Aqueduct to Nowhere
There's no time like the past to laugh at the present!
A.D. 123. on the ragged edge of the Roman Empire.
Saturnalia--the winter festival where slaves become masters and masters, slaves -- is in full, raucous swing. Gaius Severus, a young misfit searching for love, identity and breakfast is working a dull job as a security guard when the worst governor in the Roman Empire is overthrown and a ship full of female pirates takes over the town.
While Severus stumbles through dark rites of passage and near-fatal coming of age adventures, his feisty girlfriend finds her true calling as a seer and his dissident brother transforms a quest for a holy relic into a comic attempt to overthrow the emperor.
The gods forsaken Spanish capital of Tarraco is turned upside down by a cast of corrupt officials, disgruntled ex-gladiators, and rogue praetorians.
History repeats, again as the decline and fall of damn near everything continues in this standalone sequel to "No Roads Lead to Rome."
A.D. 123. on the ragged edge of the Roman Empire.
Saturnalia--the winter festival where slaves become masters and masters, slaves -- is in full, raucous swing. Gaius Severus, a young misfit searching for love, identity and breakfast is working a dull job as a security guard when the worst governor in the Roman Empire is overthrown and a ship full of female pirates takes over the town.
While Severus stumbles through dark rites of passage and near-fatal coming of age adventures, his feisty girlfriend finds her true calling as a seer and his dissident brother transforms a quest for a holy relic into a comic attempt to overthrow the emperor.
The gods forsaken Spanish capital of Tarraco is turned upside down by a cast of corrupt officials, disgruntled ex-gladiators, and rogue praetorians.
History repeats, again as the decline and fall of damn near everything continues in this standalone sequel to "No Roads Lead to Rome."
- GenresHumorHistorical Fiction
225 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2013
3 people are currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
R.S. Gompertz
5 books32 followersR.S. Gompertz grew up in a Los Angeles suburb of Disneyland.
He writes historical fiction served up in a thick broth of humor, gravitas and adventure.
"Life's Big Zoo" is a catcher in the rye bread coming of age story set in Los Angeles, 1968, in an eccentric family where the bright lights of the sixties meet the shadow of the Holocaust.
"No Roads Lead to Rome" takes place in A.D. 123, a time not unlike the present, and chronicles the decline and fall of damn near everything. The saga continues in "Aqueduct to Nowhere."
While working on "No Roads," he published "The Expat's Pajamas: Barcelona," a series of articles about travel and expat life.
A collection of his humorous articles can be found in "Quirk In Progress."
He writes historical fiction served up in a thick broth of humor, gravitas and adventure.
"Life's Big Zoo" is a catcher in the rye bread coming of age story set in Los Angeles, 1968, in an eccentric family where the bright lights of the sixties meet the shadow of the Holocaust.
"No Roads Lead to Rome" takes place in A.D. 123, a time not unlike the present, and chronicles the decline and fall of damn near everything. The saga continues in "Aqueduct to Nowhere."
While working on "No Roads," he published "The Expat's Pajamas: Barcelona," a series of articles about travel and expat life.
A collection of his humorous articles can be found in "Quirk In Progress."
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 9, 2014
R.S. Gompertz grew up in a suburb of Disneyland. Since then, he has lived and worked in the USA, France and Spain.
He writes historical fiction served up in a thick broth of humor and adventure.
The inspiration for his first novel "No Roads Lead to Rome" came while hiking in the hills above Barcelona, Spain when he stumbled over an ancient wagon rut and realized things hadn't changed all that much in 2000 years. The story came to him in a blinding flash that took the next 5 years to extract.
The action takes place in A.D. 123, a time not unlike the present, and chronicles the decline and fall of damn near everything.
"No Roads" was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. The book has been very popular on political humor and historical fiction lists.
The saga continues in "Aqueduct to Nowhere," the standalone sequel to "No Roads Lead to Rome."
While working on "No Roads," he published a series of articles about travel and expat life, the first volume of which is now available as "The Expat's Pajamas: Barcelona" on Kindle.
Aqueduct to Nowhere - Review
Two of my favorite genres collide in this entertaining look see at a Saturnalia Festival in Tarraco, Roman historical fiction and humor. Quirky characters and hilarious situations abound as the main character, Severus, tries to solve the many issues that crop up. One corrupt governor has died and his successor is on the lam. Severus is thrust into the position of head of Tarraco security and is faced with, among other things, finding the missing governor so he can be on hand for The Trial of the Century, solving the murder of the preceding governor, dealing with a band of Amazonian-like pirates led by the wife of the missing governor(and who is also the prosecutor of her husband), a Jewish zealot of a brother who turns everything into a diatribe against Rome, an angry crowd of fire displaced plebeians and a new set of rapacious government officials. Oh and let us not forget the set of Praetorian assassins,a fortune telling would be girlfriend, and a pair of rumor mongering news anchors. This story pokes fun at everything as it threads it's way through every strata of society. I think my favorite scene takes place on a doomed ship caught in a storm; on this ship you have four differing views on what god to pray to for help. The sailor is a Christian, the brother is a Judean whose goal is to restore the Temple in Jerusalem, the Praetorian is a follower of Mithras and Severus talks to Neptune. I won't say anymore so as to not spoil anything or to influence anyone's belief system.
Suffice to say that now that I have read Aqueduct I will be reading the prequel No Roads Lead to Rome. 5 stars given; Io Saturnalia.
He writes historical fiction served up in a thick broth of humor and adventure.
The inspiration for his first novel "No Roads Lead to Rome" came while hiking in the hills above Barcelona, Spain when he stumbled over an ancient wagon rut and realized things hadn't changed all that much in 2000 years. The story came to him in a blinding flash that took the next 5 years to extract.
The action takes place in A.D. 123, a time not unlike the present, and chronicles the decline and fall of damn near everything.
"No Roads" was a semi-finalist in the 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. The book has been very popular on political humor and historical fiction lists.
The saga continues in "Aqueduct to Nowhere," the standalone sequel to "No Roads Lead to Rome."
While working on "No Roads," he published a series of articles about travel and expat life, the first volume of which is now available as "The Expat's Pajamas: Barcelona" on Kindle.
Aqueduct to Nowhere - Review
Two of my favorite genres collide in this entertaining look see at a Saturnalia Festival in Tarraco, Roman historical fiction and humor. Quirky characters and hilarious situations abound as the main character, Severus, tries to solve the many issues that crop up. One corrupt governor has died and his successor is on the lam. Severus is thrust into the position of head of Tarraco security and is faced with, among other things, finding the missing governor so he can be on hand for The Trial of the Century, solving the murder of the preceding governor, dealing with a band of Amazonian-like pirates led by the wife of the missing governor(and who is also the prosecutor of her husband), a Jewish zealot of a brother who turns everything into a diatribe against Rome, an angry crowd of fire displaced plebeians and a new set of rapacious government officials. Oh and let us not forget the set of Praetorian assassins,a fortune telling would be girlfriend, and a pair of rumor mongering news anchors. This story pokes fun at everything as it threads it's way through every strata of society. I think my favorite scene takes place on a doomed ship caught in a storm; on this ship you have four differing views on what god to pray to for help. The sailor is a Christian, the brother is a Judean whose goal is to restore the Temple in Jerusalem, the Praetorian is a follower of Mithras and Severus talks to Neptune. I won't say anymore so as to not spoil anything or to influence anyone's belief system.
Suffice to say that now that I have read Aqueduct I will be reading the prequel No Roads Lead to Rome. 5 stars given; Io Saturnalia.
October 22, 2013
This book, the sequel to No Roads Lead to Rome, definitely stands on its own as an adventurous and humorous read. The characters continue from the first story, but one can certainly pick this book up where it begins on its own (although then you do miss out on the fun of No Roads).
Aqueduct to Nowhere is a well-paced story full of twists and turns and a good dose of humor. The characters are well developed, as are the scenes and events of the stories. The story moves along with colorful descriptions and good fun, and I laughed aloud several times when reading it. The tale includes humor around politics, relationships, and overall human nature. There are festivals, palaces, trials, and pirates. There is romance, conspiracy, and deception. All in all, it’s a really fun read and well worth the time. I’m wondering if the adventures of this colorful cast of characters will come back in yet another sequel. If so, I’ll be waiting for it with open e-reader!
Aqueduct to Nowhere is a well-paced story full of twists and turns and a good dose of humor. The characters are well developed, as are the scenes and events of the stories. The story moves along with colorful descriptions and good fun, and I laughed aloud several times when reading it. The tale includes humor around politics, relationships, and overall human nature. There are festivals, palaces, trials, and pirates. There is romance, conspiracy, and deception. All in all, it’s a really fun read and well worth the time. I’m wondering if the adventures of this colorful cast of characters will come back in yet another sequel. If so, I’ll be waiting for it with open e-reader!
October 16, 2013
Author R.S. Gompertz has done it again with a solid sequel to his first book about Gaius Severus in the Roman colonies. Like the first, his characters are enmeshed in ongoing family squabbles. They drift from job to job. The blame game keeps poor Gaius wondering if he's hit bottom yet as he travels through a well-paced story combining Gompertz' ever-present sarcastically humorous parallels to our own National predicaments and self-serving missteps, recognizable political figures hiding behind togas, A god or two and a woman of mystery that winds in and out of his life. I found myself laughing aloud as I did in the first book. The ending left me expecting the sound of the next shoe falling. This is shaping up to be a really well conceived series and I look forward to the next. Of course, I hope the Status Quo doesn't lead us all over the edge while we're waiting.
November 3, 2013
I loved Mr. Gompertz's earlier book, No Roads Lead to Rome, and I love this one too. I'm a fan of the ancient Roman Empire. When you visit Rome all you hear about is glory. Aqueduct to Nowhere reveals the warts in a laugh-out-loud way. The funniest piece in the book concerns a vendor trying to sell the latest version of a "tablet." Well, technology has changed but people never will.
The rollicking characters from the first book are back, rollicking again. This time female pirates are added to the mix of venal politicians, clueless peasants and lecherous administrators. Yes, some of it is pretty fantastic, but we all need some fun in our not-very-amusing times.
The author has done extensive research to reproduce the scruffy outpost in Spain during Hadrian's reign. And it doesn't seem too different from the scruffy outposts locally in modern times. Sadly, neither do the politicians.
The rollicking characters from the first book are back, rollicking again. This time female pirates are added to the mix of venal politicians, clueless peasants and lecherous administrators. Yes, some of it is pretty fantastic, but we all need some fun in our not-very-amusing times.
The author has done extensive research to reproduce the scruffy outpost in Spain during Hadrian's reign. And it doesn't seem too different from the scruffy outposts locally in modern times. Sadly, neither do the politicians.
October 22, 2013
Aqueduct to Nowhere is a fun history fiction book that takes place in a province of Rome during Hadrian's reign. Quick-witted, full of mystery, intrigue, interesting characters, author Ron Gompertz keeps readers engaged and entertained. You don't need to be a big fan of history to appreciate this book. I enjoyed reading it and recommend it to anyone looking for a good novel.
July 20, 2019
A pleasing and funny book.
Escape for a few hours to a Roman town in Spain circa123 AD. This is a funny historical mystery farce with likeable characters, an absurd plot and some very witty bits of satire.
Escape for a few hours to a Roman town in Spain circa123 AD. This is a funny historical mystery farce with likeable characters, an absurd plot and some very witty bits of satire.
September 15, 2015
This was an entertaining read. I think I need to go back and read the first book - I got this one thinking it was first. The storyline was convoluted with more twists and turns than an episode of Dr. Who (which I'm currently binge watching...) but I liked it. From the forum to the docks, to being lost at sea, to a journey to the lead mines and a stint on stage, there was little of Hispania's Tarraco that wasn't explored. There was also an enigmatic conversation with Neptune that gave me a chuckle.
Let me say that I'm not an historian, so I have no idea whether Mr. Gompertz was historically accurate or not. I didn't care, but I suspect a Roman history buff who can't let go might have a hard time with this tale. (My knowledge of Roman history comes from reading Rosemary Sutcliff's tales, although I have walked on what is left of Hadrian's Wall, some ruined forts, and seen the engineering marvel that is the Roman baths of Bath.)
That being said, Aqueduct to Nowhere is fun. I loved the feisty women, from Plotina to ZinZin, and especially Lena. Mr. Gompertz is not afraid to write strong women, and I love him for it. He is also accomplished at contriving absurd scenes, or rather, scenes that reflect the absurdity of people when they are self-serving to the point of cruelty. I can easily imagine Jon Stewart treating these events with his special brand of satire. There was even a scene featuring the latest and greatest writing tablet that highlights the human desire to have the latest and greatest devices.
I will be reading more from Mr. Gompertz. If you enjoy a fun satirical tale, you'll enjoy the Aqueduct to Nowhere.
Let me say that I'm not an historian, so I have no idea whether Mr. Gompertz was historically accurate or not. I didn't care, but I suspect a Roman history buff who can't let go might have a hard time with this tale. (My knowledge of Roman history comes from reading Rosemary Sutcliff's tales, although I have walked on what is left of Hadrian's Wall, some ruined forts, and seen the engineering marvel that is the Roman baths of Bath.)
That being said, Aqueduct to Nowhere is fun. I loved the feisty women, from Plotina to ZinZin, and especially Lena. Mr. Gompertz is not afraid to write strong women, and I love him for it. He is also accomplished at contriving absurd scenes, or rather, scenes that reflect the absurdity of people when they are self-serving to the point of cruelty. I can easily imagine Jon Stewart treating these events with his special brand of satire. There was even a scene featuring the latest and greatest writing tablet that highlights the human desire to have the latest and greatest devices.
I will be reading more from Mr. Gompertz. If you enjoy a fun satirical tale, you'll enjoy the Aqueduct to Nowhere.
August 10, 2016
Another superbly-written book by author Ron Gompertz. Once again, he delivers a generous dose of outrageously funny sequences. Aqueduct to Nowhere puts us in a different setting, where we encounter many of our favorite characters from his first novel--the red-headed giant, the diametrically opposed brothers, and the mousy, manipulative tax adviser--with yet funnier, new personages introduced: female pirates, conniving and conspiring rulers, and a slew of other, excellently developed characters. The fast pace and changing scenery keeps readers riveted as we follow the alternating plights of the two protagonists. The scenes play out so vividly that they come alive as if in a film. In the same way as No Roads, Aqueduct brings to light human flaws in the very best way-- through humor--and confirms that basic virtues of trust, honor and honesty remain alive through the centuries. I look forward to reading Aqueduct over again and, after that, more of his books!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews