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The Shards of Heaven #3
The Realms of God
The Ark of the Covenant has been spirited out of Egypt to Petra, along with the last of its guardians. But dark forces are in pursuit. Three demons, inadvertently unleashed by Juba of Numidia and the daughter of Cleopatra, are in league with Tiberius, son and heir of Augustus Caesar. They've seized two of the fabled Shards of Heaven, lost treasures said to possess the very power of God, and are desperately hunting the rest.
Through war and assassination, from Rome to the fabled Temple Mount of Jerusalem and on to the very gates of Heaven itself, the forces of good and evil will collide in a climactic battle that threatens the very fabric of Creation.
The Realms of God is the thrilling conclusion to Michael Livingston's historical fantasy trilogy that continues the story begun in The Shards of Heaven and The Gates of Hell.
Through war and assassination, from Rome to the fabled Temple Mount of Jerusalem and on to the very gates of Heaven itself, the forces of good and evil will collide in a climactic battle that threatens the very fabric of Creation.
The Realms of God is the thrilling conclusion to Michael Livingston's historical fantasy trilogy that continues the story begun in The Shards of Heaven and The Gates of Hell.
400 pages, Hardcover
First published November 7, 2017
About the author
Michael Livingston
57 books250 followersA native of Colorado, Michael Livingston holds degrees in History, Medieval Studies, and English. He lives today in Charleston, South Carolina, where he teaches at The Citadel.
In his author life, he is a winner of the prestigious international Writers of the Future Contest (in 2005), and his novel SHARDS OF HEAVEN, the first in a trilogy of historical fantasies, will be published by Tor Books in November 2015. He has also published in a variety of other genres and venues, from a historical retelling of BEOWULF to a brief story about quantum physics in the world-renowned journal of science, NATURE.
In his academic life, he has published more than a dozen articles on subjects as varied as early Christianity, BEOWULF, Chaucer, James Joyce, J.R.R. Tolkien, and digital and practical pedagogies (though never all of them at once!). He has investigated European maps of America that pre-date Columbus, found unrecorded Anasazi ruins and artifacts, and written about the handwriting of fourteenth-century scribes. He is the general editor of the Liverpool Historical Casebooks Series, for which he has edited casebooks on the Battle of Brunanburh (Exeter, 2011), the Welsh rebel hero Owain Glyndwr (co-edited with John Bollard; Liverpool, 2013), and, coming soon, the Battle of Crécy (co-edited with Kelly DeVries; 2015).
In his author life, he is a winner of the prestigious international Writers of the Future Contest (in 2005), and his novel SHARDS OF HEAVEN, the first in a trilogy of historical fantasies, will be published by Tor Books in November 2015. He has also published in a variety of other genres and venues, from a historical retelling of BEOWULF to a brief story about quantum physics in the world-renowned journal of science, NATURE.
In his academic life, he has published more than a dozen articles on subjects as varied as early Christianity, BEOWULF, Chaucer, James Joyce, J.R.R. Tolkien, and digital and practical pedagogies (though never all of them at once!). He has investigated European maps of America that pre-date Columbus, found unrecorded Anasazi ruins and artifacts, and written about the handwriting of fourteenth-century scribes. He is the general editor of the Liverpool Historical Casebooks Series, for which he has edited casebooks on the Battle of Brunanburh (Exeter, 2011), the Welsh rebel hero Owain Glyndwr (co-edited with John Bollard; Liverpool, 2013), and, coming soon, the Battle of Crécy (co-edited with Kelly DeVries; 2015).
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 7, 2017
Originally reviewed at Bookwraiths.
The Realms of God is the third, and concluding, installment in Dr. Michael Livingston’s The Shards of Heaven: a clever, entertaining historical fantasy twist on ancient Rome. Having been an avid reader since book one, I had high expectations for this novel and can truly admit this met them all, delivering exactly the mixture of action, adventure, history, and mystery that I was hoping for as the story comes to a close.
Two decades have passed. King Juba of Mauretania and Cleopatra Selene rule peacefully far from the dangerous machinations of Rome touching them. Augustus Caesar’s ever vigilant eyes focused on other areas of his vast empire. The Ark of the Covenant hidden away in the mighty city of Petra, watched over by the smoldering bones of long dead people and by the ever vigilant guard of Titus Pullo, Lucius Vorenus, and the orphan Miriam, whom they have reared as their own.
But while Juba and Cleopatra Selene bask in tranquility evil is still at work. The demons King Juba unwittingly having released years before conspiring with Augustus Caesar’s heir, Tiberius, to obtain the Shards of Heaven. This unholy alliance determined to seize the Shards in the possession of Juba and Selene then uncover the location of the hidden Ark and seize its power to finally acquire ultimate power!
Without a doubt, Dr. Livingston is a gifted story teller of historical fiction; his ability to craft an epic plot and weave an entertaining tale growing by leaps and bounds before a constant readers eyes, even as The Realms of God showcases: his accurate, compelling visions of the past (ancient Rome here) filled with legendary vistas and populated by living, breathing people dealing with both normal, everyday issues of friendship, love, and loyalty as well as taking part in epic adventures that will shape the fate of the world and the future to come. This quality having been on display throughout the trilogy and shining forth even bright in this concluding chapter.
As for the characters themselves and their journey, it all ends neatly, tightly with no loose plots left dangling in the proverbial wind. King Juba, Cleopatra Selene, Tiberius, Miriam and all the rest finding fitting closure in this narrative. No, everyone doesn’t get what they truly deserve — good or bad — but they do reach an ending to this leg of their life journey, a conclusion to this phase of their life.
The only criticism I would level at the novel, if forced, is Dr. Livingston’s continued inability to fully portray the epic nature of certain situations and emotions. It is one thing to tell readers how deeply a character feels about particular circumstances or other people, but it is distinctly another for an author to be able to convey said emotions through the character’s actions, having readers innately understand such without every having to announce it. Perhaps this isn’t a huge issue, since most narratives resort to “telling-instead-of-showing” at different times, but I personally prefer more show, less tell.
My final thoughts on The Realms of God are decidedly positive. Without a doubt, this book is an entertaining mixture of historical settings and legendary figures with fanciful and clever plot lines, delivered in a flowing, easily digested prose that makes the narrative a quick and delightful read What sets it a notch above other historical fantasy stories, however, is that Dr. Livingston has crafted this tale in such a way that little knowledge of history is required to enjoy the triumphs and travails of its leads. Great historical fun is how I’d describe this novel (and series) to potential readers, even as I also heartily recommended it to them.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
The Realms of God is the third, and concluding, installment in Dr. Michael Livingston’s The Shards of Heaven: a clever, entertaining historical fantasy twist on ancient Rome. Having been an avid reader since book one, I had high expectations for this novel and can truly admit this met them all, delivering exactly the mixture of action, adventure, history, and mystery that I was hoping for as the story comes to a close.
Two decades have passed. King Juba of Mauretania and Cleopatra Selene rule peacefully far from the dangerous machinations of Rome touching them. Augustus Caesar’s ever vigilant eyes focused on other areas of his vast empire. The Ark of the Covenant hidden away in the mighty city of Petra, watched over by the smoldering bones of long dead people and by the ever vigilant guard of Titus Pullo, Lucius Vorenus, and the orphan Miriam, whom they have reared as their own.
But while Juba and Cleopatra Selene bask in tranquility evil is still at work. The demons King Juba unwittingly having released years before conspiring with Augustus Caesar’s heir, Tiberius, to obtain the Shards of Heaven. This unholy alliance determined to seize the Shards in the possession of Juba and Selene then uncover the location of the hidden Ark and seize its power to finally acquire ultimate power!
Without a doubt, Dr. Livingston is a gifted story teller of historical fiction; his ability to craft an epic plot and weave an entertaining tale growing by leaps and bounds before a constant readers eyes, even as The Realms of God showcases: his accurate, compelling visions of the past (ancient Rome here) filled with legendary vistas and populated by living, breathing people dealing with both normal, everyday issues of friendship, love, and loyalty as well as taking part in epic adventures that will shape the fate of the world and the future to come. This quality having been on display throughout the trilogy and shining forth even bright in this concluding chapter.
As for the characters themselves and their journey, it all ends neatly, tightly with no loose plots left dangling in the proverbial wind. King Juba, Cleopatra Selene, Tiberius, Miriam and all the rest finding fitting closure in this narrative. No, everyone doesn’t get what they truly deserve — good or bad — but they do reach an ending to this leg of their life journey, a conclusion to this phase of their life.
The only criticism I would level at the novel, if forced, is Dr. Livingston’s continued inability to fully portray the epic nature of certain situations and emotions. It is one thing to tell readers how deeply a character feels about particular circumstances or other people, but it is distinctly another for an author to be able to convey said emotions through the character’s actions, having readers innately understand such without every having to announce it. Perhaps this isn’t a huge issue, since most narratives resort to “telling-instead-of-showing” at different times, but I personally prefer more show, less tell.
My final thoughts on The Realms of God are decidedly positive. Without a doubt, this book is an entertaining mixture of historical settings and legendary figures with fanciful and clever plot lines, delivered in a flowing, easily digested prose that makes the narrative a quick and delightful read What sets it a notch above other historical fantasy stories, however, is that Dr. Livingston has crafted this tale in such a way that little knowledge of history is required to enjoy the triumphs and travails of its leads. Great historical fun is how I’d describe this novel (and series) to potential readers, even as I also heartily recommended it to them.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review. I’d like to thank them for allowing me to receive this review copy and inform everyone that the review you have read is my opinion alone.
November 14, 2017
So, 4 stars for Book 1 - The Shards of Heaven, and 4 stars for Book 2 - The Gates of Hell, but a solid 5 stars for Book 3. The first two books were really good, solid, smooth reads.
Loved the alternate history idea with regards to Rome, but the third book really kicked it up a level, and was very difficult to put down. Perfect for a lazy day read, when there's little to be done, so it made it easy to devour. Fantastic ending to the trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the overlap of different cultural myths of the time.
While I'm not sure what type of other books the author with be writing, I do look forward to reading them
Loved the alternate history idea with regards to Rome, but the third book really kicked it up a level, and was very difficult to put down. Perfect for a lazy day read, when there's little to be done, so it made it easy to devour. Fantastic ending to the trilogy. I thoroughly enjoyed the overlap of different cultural myths of the time.
While I'm not sure what type of other books the author with be writing, I do look forward to reading them
November 15, 2017
A terrific ending to a fantastic trilogy!
Twenty years has passed and we find that time has once again continued to move on. King Juba and Cleopatra Selene have reigned in peace without interference from Augustus Caesar or Tiberius. The ark of the covenant has been safely place in Petra in an abandoned tomb, continually watched over by Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, who are also raising Miriam, the daughter of Caesarian and Hannah, who gave their lives protecting the ark. But evil still lurks by the way of the demons released by King Juba while trying to get revenge for Tiberius’s rape of Selene. The demons have acquired two of the shards and are now in league with Tiberius to retrieve the remaining items and will stop at nothing for ultimate power. Can the unlikely band come together a final time to make a stand to protect the world?
I have not enjoyed a series this much in a long time. After reading the first novel, I couldn’t wait for the second. After the second, I endured another agonizing year for the third. After the third, I am happy to say that I enjoyed the conclusion even though I long to see it continue out even more. The character’s personalities really brought this to life for me. It helps that I’m a huge fan of ancient Rome as well. I haven’t been much of a historical fantasy fan in the past, but this series has put it on the map for me. Bringing together some of history’s well known characters and coupling them with an intriguing story is the way to go!
This particular book did not make me research as much as the first two did on the campaigns of Octavian. Even so, I did have to look up more on the city of Petra to get a feel for where I was being taken. Livingston is a master of tales and I highly recommended this series to all book lovers. There is some slight harsh language and a brief sex scene, but nothing is really explicit. Even so, mature YA readers and up should handle this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
Twenty years has passed and we find that time has once again continued to move on. King Juba and Cleopatra Selene have reigned in peace without interference from Augustus Caesar or Tiberius. The ark of the covenant has been safely place in Petra in an abandoned tomb, continually watched over by Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus, who are also raising Miriam, the daughter of Caesarian and Hannah, who gave their lives protecting the ark. But evil still lurks by the way of the demons released by King Juba while trying to get revenge for Tiberius’s rape of Selene. The demons have acquired two of the shards and are now in league with Tiberius to retrieve the remaining items and will stop at nothing for ultimate power. Can the unlikely band come together a final time to make a stand to protect the world?
I have not enjoyed a series this much in a long time. After reading the first novel, I couldn’t wait for the second. After the second, I endured another agonizing year for the third. After the third, I am happy to say that I enjoyed the conclusion even though I long to see it continue out even more. The character’s personalities really brought this to life for me. It helps that I’m a huge fan of ancient Rome as well. I haven’t been much of a historical fantasy fan in the past, but this series has put it on the map for me. Bringing together some of history’s well known characters and coupling them with an intriguing story is the way to go!
This particular book did not make me research as much as the first two did on the campaigns of Octavian. Even so, I did have to look up more on the city of Petra to get a feel for where I was being taken. Livingston is a master of tales and I highly recommended this series to all book lovers. There is some slight harsh language and a brief sex scene, but nothing is really explicit. Even so, mature YA readers and up should handle this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The views and opinions expressed within are my own.
November 6, 2017
A pretty awesome wrap-up to a series that had both real history and fantasy to it. And did I mention it's partially set in Petra? Good stuff.
As a person who is fascinated by what has gone on before on this earth, the historical aspect of this book really grabbed me. It's not surprising because Michael Livingston knows how to tell a tale, whether it's in a university classroom, a convention for fantasy geeks, or, so I'm told by some who have heard him, an auditorium of medieval historians. He's taken his phenomenal breadth of knowledge about the days of the Roman empire, and woven a tale of mystery, suspense, added a pinch of loyalty, a dash of romance, some bad arse demons, and a healthy dash of the fantastic, then tucked it nicely around the elements of history as we know it (what is known in the trade as a "secret history".)
The Realms of God is the third, and final installation in a trilogy that starts in the times of Cleopatra (with some throw-back in the book and in a companion piece to the days of Alexander the Great) and finds its conclusion in the dusty stones of Petra. (Yeah, that Petra, which you probably remember from Indiana Jones and the something or other.) And if you're thinking that maybe Roman history isn't your thing, I've given the first book in the series to several non-history loving friends, who not only read it, but eagerly pre-ordered book 2 and 3 (which is pretty much what my history loving friends, also gifted book 1, did. I'm seriously mystified why this series wasn't marketed both as historical fiction/mystery and fantasy, but that's a complete other tangent.)
Bottom line. Read the trilogy. And if you're like I am, you'll be looking for the secret histories, hidden away in our past, everywhere. The only thing that could have made this book better for me would be if it was inscribed by the author. (Hint. hint, Michael Livingston. I could have bought a kindle version, but got the hard-copy so I can have a full inscribed set.)
As a person who is fascinated by what has gone on before on this earth, the historical aspect of this book really grabbed me. It's not surprising because Michael Livingston knows how to tell a tale, whether it's in a university classroom, a convention for fantasy geeks, or, so I'm told by some who have heard him, an auditorium of medieval historians. He's taken his phenomenal breadth of knowledge about the days of the Roman empire, and woven a tale of mystery, suspense, added a pinch of loyalty, a dash of romance, some bad arse demons, and a healthy dash of the fantastic, then tucked it nicely around the elements of history as we know it (what is known in the trade as a "secret history".)
The Realms of God is the third, and final installation in a trilogy that starts in the times of Cleopatra (with some throw-back in the book and in a companion piece to the days of Alexander the Great) and finds its conclusion in the dusty stones of Petra. (Yeah, that Petra, which you probably remember from Indiana Jones and the something or other.) And if you're thinking that maybe Roman history isn't your thing, I've given the first book in the series to several non-history loving friends, who not only read it, but eagerly pre-ordered book 2 and 3 (which is pretty much what my history loving friends, also gifted book 1, did. I'm seriously mystified why this series wasn't marketed both as historical fiction/mystery and fantasy, but that's a complete other tangent.)
Bottom line. Read the trilogy. And if you're like I am, you'll be looking for the secret histories, hidden away in our past, everywhere. The only thing that could have made this book better for me would be if it was inscribed by the author. (Hint. hint, Michael Livingston. I could have bought a kindle version, but got the hard-copy so I can have a full inscribed set.)
January 13, 2018
This is a fabulous finale to Livingston's "Shards" trilogy, and I tore through this book in a couple of days. As in all the books, Livingston excels at creating characters you care about, even with their flaws, and a huge part of the enjoyment for me is finding out what will happen to them. This book is a real pageturner, and the action keeps moving from one ancient locale to another: Alexandria, Jerusalem, Petra and Livingston gives us just enough history to keep the fantasy grounded in reality.
There are a lot of awesome scenes in this book, as we follow the three unleashed demons, the odious Tiberius, some old friends, and Miriam around the ancient world (and beyond!). There's a scene below the temple in Jerusalem that is superb, and everything that takes place in Petra is stellar. I LOVE these books so much, and I'll miss many of these characters now that the story is over. A fabulous read.
There are a lot of awesome scenes in this book, as we follow the three unleashed demons, the odious Tiberius, some old friends, and Miriam around the ancient world (and beyond!). There's a scene below the temple in Jerusalem that is superb, and everything that takes place in Petra is stellar. I LOVE these books so much, and I'll miss many of these characters now that the story is over. A fabulous read.
December 24, 2017
Fantastic
After having started the trilogy largely due to a desire to read, sample and support local authors, I quickly knew that I had made a solid choice. And so, book one became book two and today, I completed book three.
From tales of Cleopatra, to the shores of Alexandra to...
This book- The Realms of God- with a tale in Petra with a haunted Tiberius and the band (mostly) of companions from the two predecessors.
A solid extension to the series, with engrossing vividly sketched locales and heady themes, the closing ‘act’ is as strong as any in recent memory.
I can not recommend this book highly enough. ‘Historical’ fantasy-fiction, written at the highest of levels with answers and questions and gripping characters.
Certainly one of the best reads of the year.
After having started the trilogy largely due to a desire to read, sample and support local authors, I quickly knew that I had made a solid choice. And so, book one became book two and today, I completed book three.
From tales of Cleopatra, to the shores of Alexandra to...
This book- The Realms of God- with a tale in Petra with a haunted Tiberius and the band (mostly) of companions from the two predecessors.
A solid extension to the series, with engrossing vividly sketched locales and heady themes, the closing ‘act’ is as strong as any in recent memory.
I can not recommend this book highly enough. ‘Historical’ fantasy-fiction, written at the highest of levels with answers and questions and gripping characters.
Certainly one of the best reads of the year.
October 31, 2017
Thanks Macmillan-Tor/Forge and netgalley for this ARC.
Michael Livingston really hits the bullseye with this novel. Action, adventure, love, magic, and angels/demons- all fight for dominance in this hard to classify masterpiece.
Michael Livingston really hits the bullseye with this novel. Action, adventure, love, magic, and angels/demons- all fight for dominance in this hard to classify masterpiece.
November 18, 2019
Offers more of the same (a fast-moving thriller set in the Roman Empire featuring historical personages, demons, and Raiders of the Lost Ark-type adventure) while coming to an only moderately satisfying conclusion. That conclusion is vexing in its odd effort to recast Christianity within the context of this fantasy.
January 16, 2018
Michael Livingston’s final tale of the five stones that grant magical abilities, the shards of heaven, is set in the turbulent period after Herod the Great’s death. The demons released in the last tale are trying to enter The Realms of God (hard from TOR). The riots in Jerusalem allow roman troops entry into the Chamber of Holies in the rebuilt Jewish Temple to find a hidden shard that allows teleportation. From there the action moves to Petra where one of the other shards was hidden. Real historical events and actual historical figures, like future emperor Tiberius pepper the scene. The mythology of the tale is based on mystic Jewish and Christian writings which I found disconcerting. This is a nice end to the trilogyReview printed by Philadelphia Free Press
August 6, 2019
This was the most solid book of the trilogy. The stakes were high and real, while keeping the story mostly within known historical events. It was also interesting to see new places such as Jerusalem and Petra, and learn something about their history around the time of Augustus Caesar.
While the plot and style are not at the level of Epic Fantasy masterpieces such as A Song of Ice and Fire, the trilogy was quite a fun read, and in particular, to those interested in the ancient history of the Mediterranean Basin, it gives a good immersive experience into major events and characters from that era.
While the plot and style are not at the level of Epic Fantasy masterpieces such as A Song of Ice and Fire, the trilogy was quite a fun read, and in particular, to those interested in the ancient history of the Mediterranean Basin, it gives a good immersive experience into major events and characters from that era.
May 30, 2024
Very cool historical fantasy! I really enjoyed the characters in this series and how it follows actual history, especially bringing in the legends of Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. The stories that surround the Roman and Egyptian empires have always intrigued me and adding the twist of magic and interwoven faiths was very well done throughout the entire series. The focus on digging into the past within the legendary libraries of the time period is another unique and powerful perspective within these stories. With the climatic action, large-scale battles and powerful relics, I would recommend these to any fan of the fantasy genre!
September 12, 2018
An excellent, action-packed closer to the Shards of Heaven series by Mike Livingston. The ancient Roman characters, from soldiers Titus Pullo and Lucius Vorenus to the exiled prince Caesarion, wage superhuman battle with the various Shards of Heaven artifacts, all over the Roman empire. It's a kind of Infinity War for Roman superheroes, and just as packed with historical detail as it is with page-turning action.
October 20, 2024
A great closing piece to a fantastic thrill ride! An ever constant action packed, suspense filled original page turner to the very end. Well developed characters dance in and out of spotlight in unpredictable situations full of grace and well defined narratives. I will miss this great world building adventure that had both strong male and female protagonists beaming in their own light spectacularly.
January 15, 2018
A really good end to a better-than-average series.
June 4, 2018
I enjoyed this book immensely.
Want to Read
August 13, 2018I received a copy of this book from MacMillian Tor via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews