***** Must Read Historical Fiction Review by Rox Burkey
Author Linnea Tanner’s short story of ancient Rome focuses on Augustus Caesar and his manipulative family dynamics. The character of Lucius, a young man of eighteen, dealt with his father’s disgrace from the point of duty and his mother’s anguish from the point of love. The historical detail Linnea provides of this event immediately brings the reader into the story. She provides a glimpse into the rules of the times fraught with political jockeying.
Men, women, slaves, gladiators, and aristocrats lived by different sets of rules. In this case, Augustus was decidedly harsher with his daughter Julia’s adulterous affairs. Linnea expertly weaves the fictional story with actual history. I find this makes the past more fun to learn. I was intent on finishing this story as Lucius and his friend, Gaius, interact together.
“I’ve petitioned Augustus for his patronage,” I proudly proclaimed. I was anticipating that the princeps would announce his sponsorship any day. “My mother has spoken to him about supporting my appointment. Perhaps today, he’ll summon me to discuss my position. As you say, Fortuna smiles on me today.”
“Will you be going to the public baths today?” Gaius asked, unsheathing his gladius. He brashly swung it to and fro, almost nicking me with its tip.
I jumped back to avoid the blade. “Careful with that!” I snapped angrily. Inexplicably, Gaius steadied the sword’s tip near my throat. “Scared?”
Unsettled by the seriousness in my friend’s voice, I gently pushed the blunt end of the blade away with my hand. “Should I be?”
I enjoyed the view point of Lucius in the story. I felt his anguish when Augustus provided the options for his young life. This snapshot of the life and times of the early Roman Empire with Caesars’ rules as well as the belief in the Gods.
The excellent writing of Author Linnea Tanner is highlighted in this short story while having readers want more. I highly recommend this story to readers who like historical fiction. Young adults will enjoy the tale from start to finish.
About the Author
Award-winning author, Linnea Tanner, weaves Celtic tales of love, magical adventure, and political intrigue into the backdrop of Ancient Rome and Britannia. Since childhood, she has passionately read about ancient civilizations and mythology, which held women in higher esteem. Of particular interest are the enigmatic Celts, who were reputed as fierce warriors and mystical Druids.
Depending on the time of day and season of the year, you will find her exploring and researching ancient and medieval history, mythology and archaeology to support her writing. As the author of the CURSE OF CLANSMEN AND KINGS series, she has extensively researched and traveled to sites described within each book.
A native of Colorado, Linnea attended the University of Colorado and earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in chemistry. She lives in Windsor with her husband and has two children and six grandchildren.
Find and Follow Linnea Tanner on Facebook – Twitter – RWISA – Website
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