Author Archives: pippo144

“What did the Romans…”

When Monty Python fans get together, the phrase “What did the Romans ever do for us?” will surely ring out. Even those who are not fans of the seventies satire Life of Brian recognise the scene depicting the People’s Front of Judea, listing the various benefits the Romans brought with their subjugation of Jerusalem andContinue reading ““What did the Romans…””

The Iron Between: Anvil

The year is CE 77. Vespasian appoints Agricola as governor of Britannia. Upon arriving, Agricola is told of an Ordovician attack led by his enemy, Luchar, where a cavalry outpost has been destroyed, and the sons of Rome’s senators massacred. He remembers a similar event when he was a Banded Tribune seconded to Suetonius. ThoseContinue reading “The Iron Between: Anvil”

The Maiden of Florence — Katherine Mezzacappa

The author sets the stage in Renaissance Florence in 1584, where a poignant question looms over Prince Vincenzo Gonzaga of Mantua’s virility. In a bid to secure his marriage into the Medici family, Gonzaga is compelled to prove his ability to father children. In a twist of Medici infamy, an orphan girl, Giulia, is chosenContinue reading “The Maiden of Florence — Katherine Mezzacappa”

Very Popular

For some reason, this chapter caused excitement in the web serialization of A Prelude to War. Check it out and see if you can figure out why. Click me. Confessions and Puppeteers Medb was propped up on one elbow, watching the rise and fall of Ailill’s chest as he slept. She could not sleep. TheContinue reading “Very Popular”

Many Have Asked

After the publication of two books, one late last year and the other earlier this year (Iron–take a look at the Kirkus review, and The Last Summoner: Conquest in January) there has been some interest expressed in the Druids. Here’s an earlier article we published on the subject. It makes for interesting reading.

The Silver Eagle — Book Review

In a nutshell, this series will probably appeal to readers who are looking for light entertainment rather than any serious Ancient Roman-based fiction. I read the first book in the Forgotten Legion trilogy by Ben Kane. I probably wouldn’t have bothered with the second book, except I bought all three on special offer from aContinue reading “The Silver Eagle — Book Review”