Customer Reviews

The Sword of Hannibal

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Terry McCarthy does a bang-up job of conveying what life must have been like in 200 BC. I am a huge fan of historic fiction but am not normally interested in this time period. But this novel was unique - it had all of the critical elements of a best sellling novel - well written, high adventure, devastating hardship, and true love. It grabbed me and held me from the first page.

Historically, this book is quite reflective and informative. I actually felt the pain of the living conditions, life and trials of Strabo and Terry's entire well developed cast of characters.

The story line was so captivating that I stayed up late and got up early just to finish each adventure sequence. I was up at 4:30 am this morning just to finish the novel. I couldn't wait until after work!

Throughout the novel, in my mind's eye, I could see this epic novel playing out on a big screen someday.

Well done, Terry!

I highly recommend this book! This is a very well written book that combines the historical drama of the Hannibal invasion of Rome with the personal transformation of a war- hardened mercenary.
The author does a very good job of developing the characters. I found myself thinking about them for days after finishing the book. I think that at least two of the characters are worthy of a sequel.
There are some very dramatic battle descriptions that are ready for the big screen. I think the author did a thorough job of informing the readers of the complexities of ancient warfare. His knowlege of battlefield strategies and his ability to make it come to life for the reader is exceptional!
If you like historical fiction of this era you will enjoy this book!

I usually don't go for books like this but once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. In fact, I made my wife drive the final 6 hours of our vacation so that I could finish it in the car. You'll really enjoy it. Good characters, good story, well developed and plotted.

Terry has managed to combine interesting historical information, well developed characters and a endlessly innovative storyline in a highly enjoyable mix. The book filled with wonderful twists and turns as well as well researched information. Terry is at his best (and it is really pretty good) when he lets the story and the characters move things along and goes slow on the historical minucea. It is a story that leaves the reader ready for round two after they catch their breath.

This book is an exciting change of pace from my usual James Patterson, Stuart Woods reads! Great character development, captivating battle scenes, and romance to boot! A great book club experience!

If you like historical novels for the authentic detail, you may be disappointed with this book as it is rather vague in that department since the setting is a time and place about which rather little is actually known. Basically, its a modern "mission: impossible" type scheme set in ancient times, and I had issues with this peasant village leader outthinking soldiers, mercs and generals throughout the story, as well as some rather modern attitudes on part of the characters. I would have preferred giving it 3-1/2 stars, but that isn't possible here, and it is deserving of more than just 3. McCarthy has clearly used popular sources for his research into the period, but despite the few mistakes (pole weapons going outta style before the invention of firearms?? "Keltoi" as well as celts?), I gotta add that it is refreshing to read a historical novel that concerns itself with trying to tell a good story, rather than weaving a plot around how much period info the author knows.

Though a little slow in the first quarter, if you give it a chance, the characters will grow on you and you may find about halfway through that it is getting harder to put down. Though the characters are kinda typical, they are handled relatively believably, and quite likeable. I found Ribas particularly intrigueing. The climax, though a little hard to swallow, is quite spectacular. All in all, a first novel that at the very least holds its own against the others on the rack, and good enough to make me look forward to seeing Strabo's return.

Before starting my brief review, a forewarn: whoever has read "The Emperor" series by Conn Iggulden previously, will find this author novel is very pale in comparison. The Emperor series was about Julius Caesar with the ancient Rome background.

This novel tells a story about a man called Strabo depicted in the Carthaginian era, at the time prior to Hannibal invasion to Rome. I was initially attracted to this book because of the historical nature of this novel, which is my favorite subject. However, after reading the first few chapters, I found that the author is going nowhere with the story, and the plot is easily predictable. Since I already purchased this book, I have "forced" myself to finish it.

Readers who have read Bernard Cromwell's novels will find this writer still has along long way to go. In terms of historical nature, I found that the writer has written mostly basic history stuffs. Some of the history representation, including sword making alloy materials and some other things, are quite good. Nevertheless, this is a book not worth buying. Readers interested in historical issues, especially the Mediterranian ones, should try novels written by Conn Iggulden and Colleen McCullough. Both are excellent writers, with drama plus details of historical nature embedded.

Well, if you want to try reading, it is up to you, but I stand with my score: one star only.

Historical fiction is by far my favorite genre when it comes to books. I have read Conn Iggulden's Emperor series, and while I enjoyed them very much, still The Sword of Hannibal is my favorite so far.

The Emperor series was very impressive, but I like this book more because of the nature of the plot. The mission of the characters I found captivating, as it took precedent over any historical event. This gave the author room to weave the story. I think that Terry McCarthy created very deep, intriguing characters, especially Strabo, the main character, and Nargonne. I would like very much to see Mr. McCarthy write a "prequel" to this story, perhaps focusing on Strabo's history before the events of this book.

The detail of this book struck me, as well. I like to read about the various peoples, tribes, weapons, and strategies of the ancient world. Terry McCarthy did an outstanding job in creating this world around the march of Hannibal.

I highly recommend this book to any fan of historical fiction. It has becomes my favorite book.

The breadth of response ("I love it!" "I hate it!") is to be expected. "Sword of Hannibal" gropes its way through a thoroughly modern plot in a historic milieu which lends itself to exaggeration -- the invasion of Rome by Hannibal, across the Alps.
Style: first-rate. The author has done a good job with the words and with characterization. Some of the attitudes seemed modern -- but then again, some human experiences, like love and sacrifice and despair, are probably timeless.
Historical accuracy: I can be as picky as the next guy. By the time Hannibal invaded Rome, bronze swords were old-fashioned but still in use. And iron/steel was in wide use, and yes, the formulas (formulae?) of successful smiths were still secret. Some Celts fought for Hannibal. Some fought against him.
Plot: a bit contrived, but stanger things happened in real life. The last scene won't bother you if you thought the last scene in the movie "Gladiator" wasn't contrived.
Conclusion: Yeah, three and half stars. But this is the kind of historical novel that leads me to think the next one will be better. If the author quits now it would be a shame.

This first time novelist wrote quite a hugely entertaining book - The Sword of Hannibal. Terry McCarthy writes like an all-time pro in this fantasically written historical novel. I thought this would center around the historical figure of Hannibal himself - but it is better and much brighter than that.

Instead, I was surprised and very entertained throughout several nights to find Sword of Hannibal has a bigger and better main character. If you like largeer-than-life characters, with fast-paced action and adventure - then this one will surely entertain you for many hours. I look forward to reading this thrilling new author.