What do you think?
Rate this book
Eagles and Dragons #1
Children of Apollo
CHILDREN OF APOLLO is the tale of Lucius Metellus Anguis, a young warrior who is inspired by the deeds of his glorious ancestors and burdened by the knowledge that he must raise his family name from the ashes of the past. Having achieved a measure of success in the Emperor’s Legions in North Africa, Lucius is recalled to Rome where he finds himself surrounded by enemies, cast into the deadly arena of Roman politics. Amid growing fears of treachery, Lucius meets a young Athenian woman who fills his darkening world with new-found hope. Their love grows, as does their belief that the Gods have planned their meeting but when an ancient oracle of Apollo utters a terrifying prophecy regarding his future, Lucius’ world is once more thrown into chaos. Ultimately, he must choose sides in a war that threatens to destroy his family, his faith and all that he has worked for.
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2012
41 people are currently reading
79 people want to read
About the author
Adam Alexander Haviaras
27 books19 followersAdam Alexander Haviaras is a writer, blogger and historian. He is the author of the Eagles and Dragons historical fantasy series, The Carpathian Interlude historical horror series, a new series entitled Mythologia, and an upcoming novel set during the ancient Olympics, Heart of Fire.
Get a FREE book when you sign-up for Adam's Eagles and Dragons Newsletter by clicking here: http://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com...
In addition to a FREE book, Eagles and Dragons subscribers will be the first to receive new book releases and blog posts, enter contests, and get first access to other new products.
Join thousands of other readers and share your common love of ancient history and historical fiction with the rest of the Eagles and Dragons Legion!
Adam has studied ancient and medieval history and archaeology at the University of Toronto, Canada, and St. Andrews University, Scotland. He lives with his wife and children in Toronto where he is currently writing another ground-breaking work of historical fiction.
If you like ancient history and fiction set in Greece or the Roman Empire, Greek and Roman mythology, or stories like Gladiator, Pompeii, and The Mists of Avalon, then you'll love Adam's books.
Adam is always happy to connect with readers, writers and those who love history in general. You can find him on Twitter (@AdamHaviaras), Google+, on the Eagles and Dragons Facebook page, or on Instagram (@adam_haviaras)
Most of all, don't forget to sign-up for the Eagles and Dragons Newsletter here: http://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com...
Thank you for reading.
Get a FREE book when you sign-up for Adam's Eagles and Dragons Newsletter by clicking here: http://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com...
In addition to a FREE book, Eagles and Dragons subscribers will be the first to receive new book releases and blog posts, enter contests, and get first access to other new products.
Join thousands of other readers and share your common love of ancient history and historical fiction with the rest of the Eagles and Dragons Legion!
Adam has studied ancient and medieval history and archaeology at the University of Toronto, Canada, and St. Andrews University, Scotland. He lives with his wife and children in Toronto where he is currently writing another ground-breaking work of historical fiction.
If you like ancient history and fiction set in Greece or the Roman Empire, Greek and Roman mythology, or stories like Gladiator, Pompeii, and The Mists of Avalon, then you'll love Adam's books.
Adam is always happy to connect with readers, writers and those who love history in general. You can find him on Twitter (@AdamHaviaras), Google+, on the Eagles and Dragons Facebook page, or on Instagram (@adam_haviaras)
Most of all, don't forget to sign-up for the Eagles and Dragons Newsletter here: http://eaglesanddragonspublishing.com...
Thank you for reading.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 22, 2016
Children of Apollo
Children of Apollo is an ancient historical tale of Lucius Metellus Anguis set in the Roman Empire in 202 AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. This is the first book in the series, Eagles and Dragons
Lucius, whose family line is symbolized by the dragon (strength and wisdom), is a young tribune who joins the Roman Legion despite his father's protests. Lucius's leadership is tested when he confronts raiding parties that threaten to disrupt Rome's trading routes in northern Africa. Despite treachery within his cohort, Lucius's decisions saves his troops from slaughter, with the aid of a mysterious man from the desert who advises him. When Lucius harshly punishes traitors in his ranks, his bold action catches the attention of the emperor who requests his return to Rome.
In Rome, Lucius falls in love with an Athenian woman who is destined to be his wife. When he is threatened by unknown enemies, possibly from his inner circle or connected to the emperor, he must counter their sinister plot that could harm him, his love, and family.
Children of Apollo is a powerful story of an idealist Roman tribune who believes his fate is controlled by Apollo. The storytelling is vivid and action scenes are riveting. It blends adventure, political intrigue, mythical elements, and romance. When the story is told from Lucius's point of view, I am totally engaged with him on his journey. Nonetheless, when the story goes into other points of views, the flow of the story is, at times, not quite as smooth, particularly from the women's perspective. Despite this, the story is compelling and a page-turner. I would recommend the novel to anyone who loves Ancient Roman historical fiction and elements of mythology.
Children of Apollo is an ancient historical tale of Lucius Metellus Anguis set in the Roman Empire in 202 AD during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. This is the first book in the series, Eagles and Dragons
Lucius, whose family line is symbolized by the dragon (strength and wisdom), is a young tribune who joins the Roman Legion despite his father's protests. Lucius's leadership is tested when he confronts raiding parties that threaten to disrupt Rome's trading routes in northern Africa. Despite treachery within his cohort, Lucius's decisions saves his troops from slaughter, with the aid of a mysterious man from the desert who advises him. When Lucius harshly punishes traitors in his ranks, his bold action catches the attention of the emperor who requests his return to Rome.
In Rome, Lucius falls in love with an Athenian woman who is destined to be his wife. When he is threatened by unknown enemies, possibly from his inner circle or connected to the emperor, he must counter their sinister plot that could harm him, his love, and family.
Children of Apollo is a powerful story of an idealist Roman tribune who believes his fate is controlled by Apollo. The storytelling is vivid and action scenes are riveting. It blends adventure, political intrigue, mythical elements, and romance. When the story is told from Lucius's point of view, I am totally engaged with him on his journey. Nonetheless, when the story goes into other points of views, the flow of the story is, at times, not quite as smooth, particularly from the women's perspective. Despite this, the story is compelling and a page-turner. I would recommend the novel to anyone who loves Ancient Roman historical fiction and elements of mythology.
December 24, 2017
Good read
Second book i have read by this author enjoyable stories and rattled along nicely hero fallible and shows a human touch
Second book i have read by this author enjoyable stories and rattled along nicely hero fallible and shows a human touch
January 3, 2016
Prima parte di una saga fantasy-storica ambientata nella Roma del secondo secolo, sotto il domino dell’imperatore Settimio Severo.
Parlo di fantasy storico in quanto gli elementi fantastici sono ben presenti, malgrado l’accurata ricostruzione storica attuata dall’autore, Adam Alexander Haviaras, che non per niente è uno storico.
Quali sono questi elementi? Gli Dèi.
Apollo, Venere e Marte sono ben presenti, sia quando compaiono fisicamente altrove, apparendo interessati e partecipi nella vita del protagonista, Lucius Anguis Metellus, sia quando non compaiono direttamente, limitandosi a auspici favorevoli come le aquile che compaiono spesso intorno a Lucius, le profezie della Sibilla o la presenza di Ashur, un misterioso e fedele servitore di Apollo inviato direttamente a proteggere Lucius dai pericoli sulla sua strada, dotato di strani poteri. E le visioni in sogno, ovviamente.
Non si sfocia nella magia, ma vengono solo accennati nel mondo reale gli interventi miracolosi delle divinità.
E il mondo è proprio quello reale, con qualche pio romano devoto alle divinità e altri che invece ignorano completamente o quasi gli Dèi.
La prima parte del libro è molto interessante: gli accenni a draghi, Apollo che tiene d’occhio da generazioni la dinastia dei Metelli in attesa della nascita della persona giusta, e cioè Lucius. Una dinastia legata ad Apollo e ai draghi, dove per drago si intende (almeno per ora) una persona destinata alla potenza e alla leggenda. Lucius, giovane tribuno alla guida delle sue truppe nell’Africa, in missione di pattugliamento, promosso direttamente dall’Imperatore dopo una cruenta battaglia contro i Parti. I suoi centurioni, amici che ha promosso lui stesso. Le invidie col fratellastro, suo centurione, violento e geloso. I dissidi con il padre, senatore repubblicano, ostile all’esercito e alla sua vicinanza all’Imperatore.
I tradimenti, le battaglie, i dubbi di un giovane ragazzo che sta salendo rapidamente agli onori militari.
L’arrivo di Ashur, suo protettore, che rapidamente diventa suo fidato amico.
La seconda è più lenta e francamente poteva essere risolta in molto meno tempo: Lucius è richiamato a Roma per presenziare al trionfo dell’Imperatore, assieme a tanti altri comandanti. Qui si riunisce alla famiglia e litiga nuovamente col padre. L’incontro con Adara, propriziato dall’amata sorella Alene, il colpo di fulmine voluto dagli Dèi e scritto nel destino, il matrimonio rapidissimo, la breve luna di miele prima di tornare all’Africa.
Ma ancora, il fratellastro che diventa pretoriano, sottomesso a Plautianus. Il capo dei Pretoriani che, istintivamente, prova odio e sospetto verso il giovane tribuno. Gli attentati a Lucius e Ashur, la perdita del favore divino da parte dell’africano, la morte di un suo centurione e la notizia dei sospetti che nutriva verso parte delle sue truppe, voci di possibili tradimenti e inganni.
Lenta e noiosa, tendenzialmente, questa seconda parte. Incentrata su un minimo di giochi di poteri e sopratutto sulla love story tra Lucius e Adara.
A parte il tema della seconda parte, il difetto maggiore di questo primo libro (esordio dell’autore) è un tocco un po’ troppo scolastico.
L’autore conosce bene la Roma Imperiale, e per fare ambientare il lettore indulge troppo nelle descrizioni di qualunque cosa, dalla struttura delle abitazioni agli abiti, ai cibi, al comportamento della gente… spesso queste descrizioni si leggono con una nota di fastidio, come se si stesse venendo indottrinati da un maestro.
Comunque si lascia leggere piacevolmente, è possibile che dia una possibilità al seguito.
Parlo di fantasy storico in quanto gli elementi fantastici sono ben presenti, malgrado l’accurata ricostruzione storica attuata dall’autore, Adam Alexander Haviaras, che non per niente è uno storico.
Quali sono questi elementi? Gli Dèi.
Apollo, Venere e Marte sono ben presenti, sia quando compaiono fisicamente altrove, apparendo interessati e partecipi nella vita del protagonista, Lucius Anguis Metellus, sia quando non compaiono direttamente, limitandosi a auspici favorevoli come le aquile che compaiono spesso intorno a Lucius, le profezie della Sibilla o la presenza di Ashur, un misterioso e fedele servitore di Apollo inviato direttamente a proteggere Lucius dai pericoli sulla sua strada, dotato di strani poteri. E le visioni in sogno, ovviamente.
Non si sfocia nella magia, ma vengono solo accennati nel mondo reale gli interventi miracolosi delle divinità.
E il mondo è proprio quello reale, con qualche pio romano devoto alle divinità e altri che invece ignorano completamente o quasi gli Dèi.
La prima parte del libro è molto interessante: gli accenni a draghi, Apollo che tiene d’occhio da generazioni la dinastia dei Metelli in attesa della nascita della persona giusta, e cioè Lucius. Una dinastia legata ad Apollo e ai draghi, dove per drago si intende (almeno per ora) una persona destinata alla potenza e alla leggenda. Lucius, giovane tribuno alla guida delle sue truppe nell’Africa, in missione di pattugliamento, promosso direttamente dall’Imperatore dopo una cruenta battaglia contro i Parti. I suoi centurioni, amici che ha promosso lui stesso. Le invidie col fratellastro, suo centurione, violento e geloso. I dissidi con il padre, senatore repubblicano, ostile all’esercito e alla sua vicinanza all’Imperatore.
I tradimenti, le battaglie, i dubbi di un giovane ragazzo che sta salendo rapidamente agli onori militari.
L’arrivo di Ashur, suo protettore, che rapidamente diventa suo fidato amico.
La seconda è più lenta e francamente poteva essere risolta in molto meno tempo: Lucius è richiamato a Roma per presenziare al trionfo dell’Imperatore, assieme a tanti altri comandanti. Qui si riunisce alla famiglia e litiga nuovamente col padre. L’incontro con Adara, propriziato dall’amata sorella Alene, il colpo di fulmine voluto dagli Dèi e scritto nel destino, il matrimonio rapidissimo, la breve luna di miele prima di tornare all’Africa.
Ma ancora, il fratellastro che diventa pretoriano, sottomesso a Plautianus. Il capo dei Pretoriani che, istintivamente, prova odio e sospetto verso il giovane tribuno. Gli attentati a Lucius e Ashur, la perdita del favore divino da parte dell’africano, la morte di un suo centurione e la notizia dei sospetti che nutriva verso parte delle sue truppe, voci di possibili tradimenti e inganni.
Lenta e noiosa, tendenzialmente, questa seconda parte. Incentrata su un minimo di giochi di poteri e sopratutto sulla love story tra Lucius e Adara.
A parte il tema della seconda parte, il difetto maggiore di questo primo libro (esordio dell’autore) è un tocco un po’ troppo scolastico.
L’autore conosce bene la Roma Imperiale, e per fare ambientare il lettore indulge troppo nelle descrizioni di qualunque cosa, dalla struttura delle abitazioni agli abiti, ai cibi, al comportamento della gente… spesso queste descrizioni si leggono con una nota di fastidio, come se si stesse venendo indottrinati da un maestro.
Comunque si lascia leggere piacevolmente, è possibile che dia una possibilità al seguito.
July 20, 2016
Lucius Metellus Anguis is a centurion of a Roman legion posted in North Africa. He is given the leadership role after a gruelling and intense fighting in the desert, where predecessor was killed. His guidance and quick thinking skills save the legion from outright slaughter. However his ascension soon finds enemies, from the outside and within and, attempts on his life follow.
A mysterious saviour, a man who appears from the desert, a ghostlike figure, saves his life and becomes a constant companion. Lucius is later summoned to Rome by the Emperor Septimius Severus to be honoured for his bravery and leading his legion to many wins. He is accompanied by a boyhood friend, Argus, a character with a fractious and combatant personality. While in Rome, Lucius meets and falls in love with an Athenian woman.
The story is well written and has plenty of suspense and mystique. The character of Lucius is a devout follower of Apollo and throughout the narrative there are suggestions the god has had a hand in his fate. What I particularly enjoyed about the story was the historical setting, one that is not often found in fiction, and of the period when Rome conquered the North African frontiers. The author gives a good insight into what life was like for the legionnaires travelling through hostile lands and the indigenous tribes they fought. The writing flowed well and the characters well developed, enough for this reader to be invested in learning the outcome of the characters.
I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
[Full disclosure: I was given an copy of the book by the author in exchange for a honest review]
A mysterious saviour, a man who appears from the desert, a ghostlike figure, saves his life and becomes a constant companion. Lucius is later summoned to Rome by the Emperor Septimius Severus to be honoured for his bravery and leading his legion to many wins. He is accompanied by a boyhood friend, Argus, a character with a fractious and combatant personality. While in Rome, Lucius meets and falls in love with an Athenian woman.
The story is well written and has plenty of suspense and mystique. The character of Lucius is a devout follower of Apollo and throughout the narrative there are suggestions the god has had a hand in his fate. What I particularly enjoyed about the story was the historical setting, one that is not often found in fiction, and of the period when Rome conquered the North African frontiers. The author gives a good insight into what life was like for the legionnaires travelling through hostile lands and the indigenous tribes they fought. The writing flowed well and the characters well developed, enough for this reader to be invested in learning the outcome of the characters.
I look forward to reading the second book in the series.
[Full disclosure: I was given an copy of the book by the author in exchange for a honest review]
April 3, 2013
The first half of this book spent a lot of time in the character's introspection. Far more than expected, Lucius Metellus Anguis (the Dragon) pondered the desert, the battles, the motives of the commanders, and his own destiny or lack thereof. It felt odd for the beginning of a book, rather than the middle.
The latter half of the book however drew me in and kept me fascinated and waiting for more.
One of the great highlights of the book is in showing Lucius' devotion to his ancestors and to the gods. These are not often elements displayed, and with such grace and natural ordinariness. Sometimes it might be deemed improper, in this age of poking at different religious beliefs. But it definitely fits with the character and makes him so much more real.
Lucius Metellus Anguis is descended indirectly from an old proud Roman patrician line. Somehow, a dragon is integral to his destiny, as is his being protected by the god Apollo. As a soldier, he is averse to the politics of his time, the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. But he is drawn deeper in, not always aware that it is happening.
I look forward to the next book in the Eagles and Dragons story.
The latter half of the book however drew me in and kept me fascinated and waiting for more.
One of the great highlights of the book is in showing Lucius' devotion to his ancestors and to the gods. These are not often elements displayed, and with such grace and natural ordinariness. Sometimes it might be deemed improper, in this age of poking at different religious beliefs. But it definitely fits with the character and makes him so much more real.
Lucius Metellus Anguis is descended indirectly from an old proud Roman patrician line. Somehow, a dragon is integral to his destiny, as is his being protected by the god Apollo. As a soldier, he is averse to the politics of his time, the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus. But he is drawn deeper in, not always aware that it is happening.
I look forward to the next book in the Eagles and Dragons story.
November 26, 2012
Well, as this is my own work, I really do love it. They say that you should write what you love and that is certainly what I have done. I enjoyed researching it, writing it, letting it take shape and getting to know the characters. You can read about some of the history and places in the book at www.writingthepastblog.blogspot.com - look for The World of Children of Apollo posts.
You can also visit the Eagles and Dragons Facebook page.
Part II in the series, Killing the Hydra, will be coming out at the beginning of 2013.
So, if you have read, or are planning on reading, Children of Apollo, I do hope you enjoy.
Cheers!
You can also visit the Eagles and Dragons Facebook page.
Part II in the series, Killing the Hydra, will be coming out at the beginning of 2013.
So, if you have read, or are planning on reading, Children of Apollo, I do hope you enjoy.
Cheers!
May 5, 2014
This is a very entertaining read; Haviaras has both a fluid writing style, and a good eye for historical detail, and explores in far more detail the (non-christian) faith of the average Roman than do most authors. All in all, a very good read, and I am awaiting the next one; Killing the Hydra. Check out my full review Children of Apollo: Eagles and Dragons
June 7, 2014
Enjoyed this book, which is one of my first "historical speculative fiction" reads. I'm glad Mr. Haviaras has introduced me in such a wonderful way to this genre, and he's now on my "authors to read" list (already read "Immortui" and have "Killing the Hydra" on tap).
BTW: His blog is awesome, incredibly informative and inspiring.
BTW: His blog is awesome, incredibly informative and inspiring.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews