Rating: 
Summary: Disappointment with history
Review: I like to read historical fiction especially that covering the classical world. Therefore, I immediately picked up a copy of Emperor: The Gates of Rome. It is the story of the young Julius Caesar and Marcus, destined to be great Romans. While the story of two young Roman boys had some appeal, I was disappointed by the lack of historicity in both the details of Julius' life and background and in the depiction of Roman culture and society. As only two examples, in this book Marius is Julius' uncle through his mother Aurelia and a Roman magistrate walks through the Forum attended by a single lictor carrying the fasces with an ax and the magistrate is said to have instant power of life or death over Roman citizens. While historical facts are often modified in historical fiction for the sake of the story or for simplicity, rarely are they so fully overthrown. For a fictional story of the young Julius, Colleen McCullough's Masters of Rome series is much better done.
Rating: 
Summary: Great fiction but questionable history
Review: This was an enjoyable read.The recreation of Rome during the latter stages of the Republic is well done. Unfortunately the author actively alters history and there's the rub.Poetic licence is all well and good,but it rankles when the reader has some idea of the subject matter.I will definitely purchase the second volume if only to discover how the author deals with the subject of Octavius(Caesar's nephew) the future Augustus.In the novel Mr.Iggulden makes Julius an only child!
Rating:
Summary: exciting historical fiction
Review: The mighty legions of Rome have extended the widening concentric power way beyond the political control of the ruling body, the Senate. Instead, the Generals of the conquering armies rule over the captured lands. The Roman leadership understands the need for a single Caesar with dictatorial authority to establish order so that the center holds.The current prime competitors for the job are Generals Marius and Sulla, both successful with their annexation campaigns. The Senate vacillates and civil war breaks out between the two legions with Sulla forcing Marius to retreat. However, Sulla returns to Greece to put down a rebellion, which allows Marius to triumphantly enter Rome and order the Senate to do his bidding. Watching his Uncle Marius' stratagem is his nephew Gaius who learns one key lesson to trust nobody, even though he allows his beloved childhood best buddy to remain close to him. Though anachronisms even noticed by this Shakespearean-based Ancient Roman buff will upset the purists, historical fiction readers will enjoy this deep look at Rome just before the rise of Julius Caesar. The thrilling story line is loaded with a feel for the Marius-Sulla rivalry and contains an intriguing spin (at least for us tyros) that sets the stage for the next volume. The audience obtains a robust look at key real life persons in their environs several of who could have served as role models for Machiavelli. Genre fans will take much delight with EMPEROR THE GATES OF ROME even those who knew before the climax the final turn of the chariot as Conn Igguldon spins a deep enthralling depiction. Harriet Klausner
Rating: 
Summary: Gory story keeps you gripped from cover to cover
Review: Iggulden's 'Emperor' is an exceptionally entertaining read. I loved the style and I loved the tale, although the experience of reading it was a little like swimming - best to wait an hour or so if you've eaten. The author does have a special talent for describing battle scenes, a talent as unique as it is graphic. It's a while since a book made me feel so queazy. In addition to the skilfully handled violent moments (perhaps 'moments' is an understatement - there's dozens of them), there are also many wonderful scenes of drama, allowing the reader to become more deeply aquainted with the motivations of the central characters. 'Emperor' is a great read but it does more than just entertain. Of course, there is the historical/educational value but, from a literary perspective, there is also much to praise here. Iggulden's use of language is, at times, brilliant. He is a master of imagery and a writer who knows exactly how to use language to excite the reader. A terrific story by a terrific storyteller. Roll on Book 2.
Rating:
Summary: A great, quick read!
Review: I found this first book, obviously part of a series the author is writing, to be a great read about the end of the Roman Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar. The first novel "supposes" what it was like for a young Julius to come into adulthood as a member of a minor noble house and nephew to one of Rome's powers and at odds with the other. The battle descriptions are great, and while some book reviews have said that a few of his supporting characters are a bit sketchy, I didn't find that to be the case. Worth the read.
Rating:
Summary: A Triumph - Emperor The Gates of Rome.
Review: The Gates of Rome, is a fast paced and well-written and researched novel set against the background of Ancient Rome. The story begins, with the two boys, Marcus and Gaius. Their boyhood is quickly terminated when they are given over to the 'tender mercies' of Renius, a tough legendary ex gladiator, to be taught the art of combat and swordsman ship. It is due, partly, to this gruelling time in their lives, that they are able to meet and to be resilient in the forth-coming battles in which they will soon be taking part. The battle scenes themselves are well portrayed, not too gruesome to the extent of being overpowering but graphically descriptive. Not only in the actual details of the fighting but of the tactics involved. Rome is given a well-defined image. The buildings, streets, politics, people and life style is described but only to give sufficient emphasis to the story. The author, Conn Eggulden never lets the pace of this novel let up for one moment. The fact that it spans such numerous events in the lives of Marcus and of Gaius, as well as the other characters that are drawn to them, is due to the excellent story telling. The story is everything, but is combined at the same time, with the strength of the characters, the feel of living (and fighting) in ancient Rome at that time, which makes this novel such an excellent, page turning, slice of history. One last appraisal. However long it takes for the sequel to arrive on the book shelves here, I know, that after a few short minutes, I shall be taken straight back into the story. Such is the ability of Conn Eggulden, the strength of his plot and the unforgettable characters.
Rating:
Summary: a good start for a great tale
Review: It's an excellent start for a tale.
I believe this book should be read by anyone who has any interest in historic romances. It will be obviously more sucessful among men than among women, since it emphasizes the beligerant nature of the roman republic/empire.
I'm already reading the 2nd part of the tale and it's beeing exciting too.
Rating: 
Summary: A extremly fun read!
Review: While this was not the most acclaimed literary book of our time it does delve into what it may have been like to grow up in ancient Rome with two different perspecitives, and I loved finding out who Gaius was in ch. 26, it gave me a spark to continue reading. I appriciate the fact that Iggulden gives the historical facts at the end of book, and admits that he does change some of the historical accuracy to shorten the story and or lead it in a slightly different view. All in all I througly enjoyed reading both of these books. As someone who enjoys the movies as well as devouring a good book this really combined both with his vivid description and the way he could keep the book moving forward to keep your attention. It was hard to put them down!
Rating:
Summary: Rome at it's best
Review: I work at a book store and an advanced readers copy of this book was sitting on our break room table. I flipped through it and INSTANTLY feel in love with it! If you want a TRUE story of Rome then go read a history book.
If you want one hell of a story that will keep you turning the pages then pick up this book! Highly recommended!
Rating:
Summary: Iggulden is a poor man's McCullough
Review: So you don't have the time or inclination to read Colleen mcCullough's books, well, never fear, Conn Iggulden is here. Although the author takes over 300 pages to mention Julius Caesar's name, it shouldn't take more then a few pages for someone with a rudimentary knowledge of history to figure out who the protagonist is.
I'm not sure why people are gushing about how good this book is. I agree it is a fast read and the author does try to stay historically accurate, but this is not a Tale of Two Cities.
If you want good writing, read McCullough. If you want a mindless, somewhat interesting read, pick up Iggulden's book.
| 
