There's no doubt that Harry Sidebottom is an expert in both his fields, an eminent historian and a writer of historical fiction sagas. His focus is heavily upon action, danger and fighting in The Last Hour, the 2018 installment of the story of Ballista in the Warrior of Rome series. This 400 page book is very short, in the sense that it all takes place over just 24 hours. "Ballista has until the last hour of light the next day to get across Rome and save the Emperor and his own family". As in the best computer games, there is a frantic pace with decisions to be made at every turn.
If you like chases, danger, sudden violence, hand-to-hand fighting and evading surveillance together with startling feats of endurance, strength and athleticism then this is the story for you. There is also treachery, brutality, loyalty and bravery. The details of everyday life in 2nd century Rome and the cast of unnamed hundreds who cross Ballista's path are fascinating. Even the layout of buildings, streets and river come alive.
Perhaps the best way to describe the book is to quote the author's own aims: "The challenge I set myself was to write a thriller, a story with restless menace, punctuated by bursts of violent action... I wanted to paint an authentic and atmospheric portrait of the city of ancient Rome, taking in all its grandeur and squalor." The author succeeds on both counts.
If you like chases, danger, sudden violence, hand-to-hand fighting and evading surveillance together with startling feats of endurance, strength and athleticism then this is the story for you. There is also treachery, brutality, loyalty and bravery. The details of everyday life in 2nd century Rome and the cast of unnamed hundreds who cross Ballista's path are fascinating. Even the layout of buildings, streets and river come alive.
Perhaps the best way to describe the book is to quote the author's own aims: "The challenge I set myself was to write a thriller, a story with restless menace, punctuated by bursts of violent action... I wanted to paint an authentic and atmospheric portrait of the city of ancient Rome, taking in all its grandeur and squalor." The author succeeds on both counts.