Conspiracies of Rome (Aelric) [Paperback]

Richard Blake (Author)

Book Description

Series: Aelric | Publication Date: May 1, 2011

The Roman Empire is dead—long live the church of Rome! A new series of historical thrillers introduces the most compelling anti-hero since Flashman

 

609 AD. Rome is torn apart by war, plague, and internal power struggles between the emperor, the aristocracy, and the church. Into this morass stumbles the young and handsome Briton Aelric. His father was murdered, his inheritance was stolen, and he was forcibly separated from the woman he loves—now he is determined to win back all that he has lost. Through his naivety and ambition, he unwittingly becomes involved in a heretical plot that will lead to fraud, high treason, and murder. The first in a searingly sharp trilogy, this adventure takes readers back to one of the darkest and least known periods of history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'I can't resist recommending this first volume of a promised trilogy. Set during the last pangs of Imperial Rome, with a vivid account of the machinations of the early Church, it is well-informed, atmospheric and beautifully written.' -- Literary Review 'In a rollicking new historical adventure series, the hero Aelric is a sort of randier version of Sharpe with an eye for the girls and a taste for the odd vat of wine ... this is rip-roaring historical fiction which avoids taking itself too seriously. Great fun.' -- Western Daily Press 'The best historical novel I have ever read' -- L. Neil Smith 'An enjoyable read' -- Historical Novel Society 'Fascinating to read, very well written, an intriguing plot and I enjoyed it very much.' -- Derek Jacobi

About the Author

Richard Blake is a lecturer, historian, broadcaster, and writer.

Product Details

• Paperback: 358 pages
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (May 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340951133
• ISBN-13: 978-0340951132
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #827,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Historical Fiction I've Ever Read..., April 7, 2009

By 

Rob Northrup "Entrepreneur" (Norcross, GA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Conspiracies of Rome (Aelric) (Paperback)

Part thriller, part mystery, part history lesson.

I love historical fiction and this is the best I have ever read. As a big fan of Ken Follett's best work like Pillars of the Earth I am always looking for more great books like it...

Conspiracies of Rome perfectly captures a time and a place that we don't hear much about- 7th Century Rome. At this point, Rome is all ready in full decline after the fall. The people here are grappling with the fact that they have been on top for a thousand years and now they are no longer king of the hill. And all that entails.

There are interesting parallels to the present world situation and it brings up many important things to ponder.

For a book that is this good, I am surprised at the lack of reviews here. Just get this book, you will be rewarded...

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Steven Saylor of the Dark Ages, December 6, 2010

By 

Ventura Angelo (Brescia, Lombardia Italy) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Conspiracies of Rome (Aelric) (Paperback)

Rome in its darkest age is poignantly depicted in this exquisite historical thriller, featuring the barbarous Aelric traveling with Father Maximin to Rome in a literary quest to salvage cultural treasure from oblivion, books to copy and send to an England whose contact with Rome, no more caput mundi but still harbouring a powerful Catholic Church has recently been renewed. As with the Republivcan Rome by Steven Saylor, you feel its spirit in the writing of the Author, more learned than ut seems. Aelric will find himself in a web of conspiracy, where no-one could be trusted to be what he-she claims to be. a gripping, wholly satisfying read!

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars ZZZZZZZZ, September 26, 2011

By 

LJV (Danvers, MA USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Conspiracies of Rome (Aelric) (Paperback)

BORING. I couldn't even finish the book. There was absolutely nothing to the story line 120 pages into the book.