Intense and well researched
This book is such a mixture of things. It's quite intense in so many ways. The research is undeniably brilliant, and the beauty of plot upon plot upon plot cannot be denied.
That said, it can be quite overwhelming at times with just how much a reader is expected to take on board. Even with my knowledge of the time period I found it hard to follow at times. Whilst I'm not at all suggesting that we should assume the average reader is stupid, we should certainly remember that not everyone knows what we know.
I also found at times there was a lack of creativity in the dialogue. The text, rich with historical information, was like a visual lesson of the era.
Despite it being a bit of a mixed bag I've still rated this as four stars as the enjoyment factor was definitely there. Perfect for someone familiar with Greco-Roman history and ready to expand through creative imagery.
That said, it can be quite overwhelming at times with just how much a reader is expected to take on board. Even with my knowledge of the time period I found it hard to follow at times. Whilst I'm not at all suggesting that we should assume the average reader is stupid, we should certainly remember that not everyone knows what we know.
I also found at times there was a lack of creativity in the dialogue. The text, rich with historical information, was like a visual lesson of the era.
Despite it being a bit of a mixed bag I've still rated this as four stars as the enjoyment factor was definitely there. Perfect for someone familiar with Greco-Roman history and ready to expand through creative imagery.