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Aquila et Noctua
At the height of the Roman Empire, a young boy is taken from his home in Palestine to be a slave to a patrician Roman family.But though the father of the house is obsessed with the boy, it is the son, Flavius, whose interest Saul returns. As years pass and the boys grow into men, their love will be tested, Flavius’ arranged marriage bringing a selfish and jealous woman between them.
In a time when jealousy, honor, and rivalries were questions of life and death, how can a bare property like a slave protect himself? Will Saul manage to reach freedom, or will he become another victim?
P. J. Mann’s 6th book, Aquila et Noctua tells a story of love across boundaries in ancient Rome, a deeply humane tale from a place thousands of years and leagues away.
In a time when jealousy, honor, and rivalries were questions of life and death, how can a bare property like a slave protect himself? Will Saul manage to reach freedom, or will he become another victim?
P. J. Mann’s 6th book, Aquila et Noctua tells a story of love across boundaries in ancient Rome, a deeply humane tale from a place thousands of years and leagues away.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2019
11 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 29, 2019
A story of the disparity between a citizen and a slave in ancient Rome
The story opens with Saul, a newly captured 11 year old from Palestine, seized by Romans and sold into slavery. His new owner, Marcus Tiberius, buys him as a household servant and companion for his son Flavius. Saul quickly proves himself to be a valuable slave, trustworthy, educated and wise. Saul and Flavius grow to become friends, but soon that relation is tested as Marcus Tiberius marries Falvius off to Claudia, the cruel and self centered daughter of a friend.
P.J. Mann has written a wonderful story, complex and full of human understanding.
I read an ARC version of this book. I am freely writing this review expressing my own opinions.
The story opens with Saul, a newly captured 11 year old from Palestine, seized by Romans and sold into slavery. His new owner, Marcus Tiberius, buys him as a household servant and companion for his son Flavius. Saul quickly proves himself to be a valuable slave, trustworthy, educated and wise. Saul and Flavius grow to become friends, but soon that relation is tested as Marcus Tiberius marries Falvius off to Claudia, the cruel and self centered daughter of a friend.
P.J. Mann has written a wonderful story, complex and full of human understanding.
I read an ARC version of this book. I am freely writing this review expressing my own opinions.
September 5, 2020
A Beautiful & Inspiring Story About A Palestinian Slave In Ancient Rome!
Overview: In a time when jealousy, honor, and rivalries bear monumental questions about life and death, a young Palestinian slave named Saul tries to protect himself against the many trials of ancient Roman life in order to survive his Masters’ ultimate authority.
It is a rare gift for a writer to be able to place themselves inside the mind of a character who lived in ancient times... It is a rarer gift still to be able to delve into that character’s life and personality with such emotion and consideration of their circumstances that that character’s existence will inevitably sweep a reader right off their feet. In her truly remarkable and tragic Historical Fiction novel, “Aquila et Noctua”, Author P.J. Mann captures her audience by immersing readers directly into the hearts, minds, and souls of her three main protagonists (Saul—the slave, Marcus Tiberius—his Roman Master, and Flavius—Marcus Tiberius’ son).
From the very beginning of “Aquila et Noctua”, readers are plunged into the tragic life of Saul, a 12-year-old Jew whose immediate family is torn apart, enslaved, and brought to the Eternal City to be sold by their overlords—the Roman Empire. With the annihilation of his old life in an entitled Jewish family, Saul is stunned and confused over what to expect as a slave to Rome. It’s only when he’s dragged from his prison cage to face the auctioneer that he realizes he has lost his freedom and will never see his family again.
P.J. Mann builds a compelling and provocative story around the relationship between Saul and his new Master, a wealthy and influential Roman citizen named Marcus Tiberius. Marcus Tiberias, who is completely enamored by the youth’s beauty, wisdom, and wit, falls deeply in love with Saul, but complications begin to arise when he fulfills his original intention to pledge the slave to his son, Flavius, as his property, counsel, and friend. The rivalry between father and son, along with the contested love triangle that forms between the three males, soon turns sour. Saul’s life is further complicated when Flavius—who has barely begun his life at thirteen—is forced into a contractual marriage with the beautiful but sinfully entitled Claudia. Saul’s life is placed in grave jeopardy when Master Flavius—now a married adult—is kidnapped by armed aggressors and the slave-hating Claudia is left in sole charge of the household.
Author Mann’s historical research on this era in ancient Roman history, as well as the associated timeline, customs, laws, and culture of both Rome and Palestine, is commendable. As an expert in the early Roman Empire and the occupation of Palestinia (which was comprised of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee) in the first century C.E., I found no wayward facts to detract me from the historical references associated with this story. Other than an occasional editing issue, Mann has done a superb job in writing a beautiful and inspiring tale about the challenges presented to the young Palestinian slave serving an elite ancient Roman family. His is a story you will never forget.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Thrillers, Revenge Thrillers, or Gay Romance in a first-century Roman setting. With certain reservations (see below), I would also recommend this read as accompanying literature to a college or university class on the daily life and customs among slaves and their masters in Ancient Rome.
This novel contains graphic violence, violent mistreatment of individuals, adult sexual situations, gay romance, rape, kidnapping, and strong language. Individuals who are triggered by any of these issues should take proper precautions when selecting this novel as a possible read.
Overview: In a time when jealousy, honor, and rivalries bear monumental questions about life and death, a young Palestinian slave named Saul tries to protect himself against the many trials of ancient Roman life in order to survive his Masters’ ultimate authority.
It is a rare gift for a writer to be able to place themselves inside the mind of a character who lived in ancient times... It is a rarer gift still to be able to delve into that character’s life and personality with such emotion and consideration of their circumstances that that character’s existence will inevitably sweep a reader right off their feet. In her truly remarkable and tragic Historical Fiction novel, “Aquila et Noctua”, Author P.J. Mann captures her audience by immersing readers directly into the hearts, minds, and souls of her three main protagonists (Saul—the slave, Marcus Tiberius—his Roman Master, and Flavius—Marcus Tiberius’ son).
From the very beginning of “Aquila et Noctua”, readers are plunged into the tragic life of Saul, a 12-year-old Jew whose immediate family is torn apart, enslaved, and brought to the Eternal City to be sold by their overlords—the Roman Empire. With the annihilation of his old life in an entitled Jewish family, Saul is stunned and confused over what to expect as a slave to Rome. It’s only when he’s dragged from his prison cage to face the auctioneer that he realizes he has lost his freedom and will never see his family again.
P.J. Mann builds a compelling and provocative story around the relationship between Saul and his new Master, a wealthy and influential Roman citizen named Marcus Tiberius. Marcus Tiberias, who is completely enamored by the youth’s beauty, wisdom, and wit, falls deeply in love with Saul, but complications begin to arise when he fulfills his original intention to pledge the slave to his son, Flavius, as his property, counsel, and friend. The rivalry between father and son, along with the contested love triangle that forms between the three males, soon turns sour. Saul’s life is further complicated when Flavius—who has barely begun his life at thirteen—is forced into a contractual marriage with the beautiful but sinfully entitled Claudia. Saul’s life is placed in grave jeopardy when Master Flavius—now a married adult—is kidnapped by armed aggressors and the slave-hating Claudia is left in sole charge of the household.
Author Mann’s historical research on this era in ancient Roman history, as well as the associated timeline, customs, laws, and culture of both Rome and Palestine, is commendable. As an expert in the early Roman Empire and the occupation of Palestinia (which was comprised of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee) in the first century C.E., I found no wayward facts to detract me from the historical references associated with this story. Other than an occasional editing issue, Mann has done a superb job in writing a beautiful and inspiring tale about the challenges presented to the young Palestinian slave serving an elite ancient Roman family. His is a story you will never forget.
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Mystery, Suspense, Thrillers, Revenge Thrillers, or Gay Romance in a first-century Roman setting. With certain reservations (see below), I would also recommend this read as accompanying literature to a college or university class on the daily life and customs among slaves and their masters in Ancient Rome.
This novel contains graphic violence, violent mistreatment of individuals, adult sexual situations, gay romance, rape, kidnapping, and strong language. Individuals who are triggered by any of these issues should take proper precautions when selecting this novel as a possible read.
September 1, 2019
Acquila et Noctua by P.J. Mann was gifted to me and I wrote this review voluntarily. I liked this book because of the sense of family the characters inspired. It kept me captivated and turning the pages late into the night.
September 2, 2019
At a time when Jews were sold as slaves in Ancient Rome, our story begins. A boy, bought as a slave at a young age, grows up in a privileged household. Educated beside the Master's son, he's in an unusual position as he matures. What turns will his life take ?
October 21, 2019
A slave can be a master - A master can be a slave
This is a story of Saul a slave and Flavus a Roman citzen both young kids Saul from Israel and brought to Rome to be sold as a slave. Saul was11year old and Flavus13 year old Saul is dought to be a companion to Flavus and is able to go to school. Before Israel was conquered Saul is taught by a Greek teacher philosophy, reading, writing and various languages which came useful to him in Rome. You read of their life together as they grow older and learn love not an sexual way but in a way of brotherly love, compassion and trust. And after Flavus kills his wife in rage and could be exiled you see the love between Flavius an Saul after giving Saul his freedom, a slave and estate Saul decides to stay a slave to Flavus and go where ever life may take them.
I recommend this book to anyone it very well written and would make awesome audiobook.
.
This is a story of Saul a slave and Flavus a Roman citzen both young kids Saul from Israel and brought to Rome to be sold as a slave. Saul was11year old and Flavus13 year old Saul is dought to be a companion to Flavus and is able to go to school. Before Israel was conquered Saul is taught by a Greek teacher philosophy, reading, writing and various languages which came useful to him in Rome. You read of their life together as they grow older and learn love not an sexual way but in a way of brotherly love, compassion and trust. And after Flavus kills his wife in rage and could be exiled you see the love between Flavius an Saul after giving Saul his freedom, a slave and estate Saul decides to stay a slave to Flavus and go where ever life may take them.
I recommend this book to anyone it very well written and would make awesome audiobook.
.
July 21, 2020
Homoerotica
This is not a work of Roman historical fiction; it is soft porn set in 2nd Century AD Rome. The author tries to insert 21st century sensibilities into the thoughts and actions of 2nd century patricians. It’s pathetic. Don’t buy this book.
This is not a work of Roman historical fiction; it is soft porn set in 2nd Century AD Rome. The author tries to insert 21st century sensibilities into the thoughts and actions of 2nd century patricians. It’s pathetic. Don’t buy this book.
August 20, 2024
great plot overall
great plot. really interesting story and the kind of historical drama I enjoy. just needs a good translator to make this what it should be
great plot. really interesting story and the kind of historical drama I enjoy. just needs a good translator to make this what it should be
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews