LeAnn L. (Fictionite) reviewed The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome, Bk 1) on + 60 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
If you enjoy stories about ancient Rome, or historical fiction in general, you MUST read this book. I have not one criticism - only praise. The characters are so well developed that even those that are mentioned only within a few pages are vivid and memorable. A fanatic of hi-fi, I don't always enjoy the usual detailed battle/war scenes. This story is full of them, and they're never dull. Maybe because it's a woman writing about the victories and devastation on the battlefield? I'm now in hot pursuit to read everything McCullough has written. Feel free to email if you have any questions. ~LeAnn
Danny N. (Alameda) -
Helpful Score: 3
4-1/2 STARS!
Over 1,000 pages to the book, over 900 pages to the novel itself!
Book includes a very detailed 120 page Glossary giving (detailed) descriptions and definitions for roman (latin) words etc,
- plus 10 page pronunciation guide for roman masculine names,
- plus 9 page pronunciation guide to other names and terms.
Novel about Marius, wealthy but lowborn, and Sulla, aristocratic but penniless and debauched - extraordinary men of vision whose ruthless ambition will lay the foundations of the most awesome and enduring empire known to humankind.
- the major character - the women in particular - come through as real humans facing real and recognizable problems - a real work of art of words!
Over 1,000 pages to the book, over 900 pages to the novel itself!
Book includes a very detailed 120 page Glossary giving (detailed) descriptions and definitions for roman (latin) words etc,
- plus 10 page pronunciation guide for roman masculine names,
- plus 9 page pronunciation guide to other names and terms.
Novel about Marius, wealthy but lowborn, and Sulla, aristocratic but penniless and debauched - extraordinary men of vision whose ruthless ambition will lay the foundations of the most awesome and enduring empire known to humankind.
- the major character - the women in particular - come through as real humans facing real and recognizable problems - a real work of art of words!
Lucy Day H. (LucyDay) reviewed The First Man in Rome (Masters of Rome, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book in an excellent six book series about the Roman Republic. Over a thousand pages, you will feel history come alive. I cannot recommend Colleen McCullough's Rome series too highly.
Helpful Score: 1
Colleeen McCullough,the Author of The Thorn Birds has done it again. This is an Awesome and absorbing novel of love, war, intrigue and betrayal which takes place in Ancient Rome. A must read.
Karla B. (gaslight) -
Helpful Score: 1
What can I say? This book is one of the best, most engrossing historical novels in recent history. The characters are compelling, even lovable - or am I the only one who finished this book madly crushing on Lucius Cornelius Sulla? McCullough does a killer job of capturing the atmosphere and attitudes of a Rome trying to hang onto its republican ideals and practices while pursuing its perceived right to rule the world and forge an empire. The character of Gaius Marius is a great portrait of this conflict between birth privilege and the emerging meritocracy.
Can't recommend this, or the sequels, highly enough (although I think the first 3 books are the best in a stellar series).
Can't recommend this, or the sequels, highly enough (although I think the first 3 books are the best in a stellar series).
