The Severan Prophecies: A Novel of the Roman Empire (Paperback)

by David Chacko (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Amazing work of fiction...Chacko's ability to paint a vivid picture of the Severan dynasty is unparalleled....Highly recommended! -- Sylvia Cochran, RoundTableReviews.com

This is a very enchanting and wonderfully written novel. -- Brad Eden, HistoricalNovelSociety.org

Product Description
Rebellions in the Roman Empire were common, but ones that succeeded were almost unknown. The Severan Prophecies is the story of a dynasty that was first usurped, then taken back by force of arms. The man who assumed the throne became known by history in a short time as the most outrageous ever to be called Lord of the World and Emperor of All the Romans.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 444 pages
• Publisher: Foremost Press (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0978970462
• ISBN-13: 978-0978970468
• Product Dimensions: 3 x 2.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #349,014 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Solid, entertaining, educative, thought-provoking, November 13, 2007

By	Kristina O'Donnelly "Scribe" (Atlantis) - See all my reviews

THE SEVERAN PROPHECIES by David Chacko is billed as "... it's not your mother's Roman historical novel."
Well, I concur, for it's also a keen study of brainwashing, indoctrination, innocence trampled upon and corrupted in cold-blood with wide-reaching, tragic results. In addition, it is informative and entertaining, appealing to both male and female readers. Chacko's writing style is fast, fluid, and robust. Once I began reading it, I found it hard to put down, in fact, I could not stop until 3.30 AM.
The action is chock-full of testosterone, battle scenes, political intrigues, unbridled sex, mysterious but bloody rituals, wile palace shenanigans, a close look into the competing religious cults (the Sun God, the Moon Goddess, and Christianity in its infancy) of the time, also a subtly told, tender love story, tested and strained loyalties, memorable characters such as the Druid seer called Blue Man who sets the tone of the tale in its opening pages, and so much more.
Once you open the pages of this novel, be ready to lose yourself in David Chacko's dynamic Roman world.
The narrator of the tale, Marcellus Decimus, is a crusty Roman, intelligent, brave and loyal, a hero worthy of rooting for.
Young Varius, of the Severan dynasty, who at the tender age of fourteen takes on the name Marcus Aurelius Antoninus and becomes the Emperor of the World, is a sympathetic character. He is a bright, tender-hearted, handsome young boy, who starts out with great promise but is manipulated and corrupted mercilessly not only by sycophants but by his nearest and dearest for their own agenda. I found his devotion to his One God believably told and was touched by it. His descent into gender confusion with results that destroyed so many lives, was believable as well, and haunting.

THE SEVERAN PROPHECIES is a satisfying, five-star read. Especially if you like novels that offer more than entertainment, but are educative as well as thought-provoking. David Chacko will not disappoint you.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars, October 2, 2007

By	The Sage of Morton St. "Model" (New York City) - See all my reviews

If you ever wondered how Roman emperors were made and unmade, read the Severan Prophecies. David Chacko's latest novel is a headlong bloody primer to the emergence of a dynasty that lasted for several generations, each wilder than the preceding one. Told by Marcellus, a tribune who rises to army commander and finally as advisor to emperors, the book is a fascinating look at the turbulence of third century Rome. Written with real style and an authentic Roman voice. Five stars.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Voice, August 3, 2008

By	E. Ulusan "Time Piece" (Earth) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Anyone who likes historical novels, especially ones based in Roman times, will have his plate full with The Severan Prophecies. This book has perfect voice and pitch. The main character, Marcellus, is as believable a Roman as he is an action hero and mentor. The incredible gyrations of the characters and plot are to my knowledge all based in fact. The rule of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus was probably the wildest in Roman history. The main figures in the Severan Dynasty are all present, including a full cast of powerful women who manipulate feverishly behind the scene. Sex, intrigue, full-scale battles, and some inventive methods of dying, can be found in every chapter. You can put the book down, but only because you know there will be more good things to come.