Customer Reviews

Barbarian Princess ( The Centurians, Book 2 )

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This second book of Hunter's phenomenal trilogy ranges from Wales to Pompeii. Superb research supplies the setting for this exciting adventures, told by a master storyteller. I'd love to see reprints of these books issued.

Transferred to Britian, in this second of the series, one brother's fair coloring makes him valuable as a scout and spy, while the other brother's high birth wins him a place on the Legate's staff. Their rivalry continues, set against a love story as one becomes the escort of a Barbarian Princess. This one's not a loaner!

'Barbarian Princess' is the second book in 'The Centurions' series. Written by Amanda Cockrell under the pen-name Damion Hunter, this book continues the story of the two half-brothers serving in the legions of first-century Rome. In this book, both brothers have been posted to Britain - Correus as a cohort commander and occasional spy and Flavius as the staff aide to another legion's general.

Several of the characters introduced in the first book also make re-appearances - namely the brothers' family back in Rome and friends such as the amusing Lucius Paulinus, who we discover has married Correus' sister. The battle action is as always a fundamental part of the stories, though as in the first book, there is plenty of room for character development as well. The major character development in this book focuses on the brothers' heretofore irritating bond, which by the end of the book has brought them close together and has finally made them friends. Correus' personal life is also highlighted, as he encounters both personal tragedy and happiness. The book also includes a vivid portrayal of the disaster in Pompeii as Mount Vesuvious explodes.

Throughout, Cockrell contiunes her superb background, making first-century Rome come alive in ways that few historical fiction writers are able to achieve. The books have a feeling of authenticity that comes from the obvious reserach and empathy Cockrell has for Rome and its legions. One can easily understand the professionalism and training that were the legions' trademark.

As was the first book, and as the third book is also, the story focuses mainly on Correus, but this is really an ensemble cast, with the Romans' British adversaries painted with the same care and empathy that Cockrell brings to the Romans. As a result, it is possible to sympathize and to understand the British even while cheering on the Romans.

Altogether, 'Barbarian Princess' is an excellent addition to the series and it seamlessly continues the story begun in 'The Centurions'. If you enjoy both high adventure and excellent writing, I would highly recommend the entire series to you.Barbarian Princess ( The Centurians, Book 2 )

This is the second of a trilogy and, as in the first book, carries on the interaction of two brothers, both officers in the roman legions.
Once again, the characters are completely believable, the plot is gripping, the action is 100% "edge of your seat" and the interplay is a whole lotta fun.
This and the first book, "The Centurians" are well worth owning and reading (several times). I wish the third book, "The Emperor's Game" was anywhere near as good as either. Unfortunately, I T ' S N O T.