Series: Spartacus #2
Publication Date: 16th August 2012
Pages: 464
Book Source: Own purchase
Synopsis: The mighty slave army, led by Spartacus, has carried all before it, scattering the legions of Rome. Three praetors, two consuls and one proconsul have been defeated. Spartacus seems invincible as he marches towards the Alps and freedom.
But storm clouds are massing on the horizon. Crixus the Gaul defects,
taking all his men with him. Crassus, the richest man in Rome, begins to raise
a formidable army, tasked specifically with the defeat of Spartacus. And within
the slave army itself, there are murmurings of dissent and rebellion.
Spartacus, on the brink of glory, must make a crucial decision - to go
forward over the Alps to freedom, or back to face the might of Rome and try to
break its stranglehold on power forever.
My Thoughts:
Spartacus the Gladiator made my favourite read list in 2012, I loved it and purchased the sequel as soon as it was released. I'm now a huge Ben Kane fan and was happy to participate in his book tour to highlight Spartacus Rebellion. Spartacus Rebellion picks up where the first book ends and whilst we all know how the story goes I suggest reading Spartacus the Gladiator first to fully appreciate the story and Ben Kane's talent.
I was exhausted after turning the last page, emotionally and physically drained and yes, sad that history didn't have a different ending lol. Ben Kane delivers another unputdownable read, entwining history and the little that is documented of Spartacus with authentic creativity.
Spartacus Rebellion played out like cinematography in my mind, the scenes so vivid, visceral, I could almost smell the blood, hear the screams, see the carnage. I swear I dry retched at the descriptions of decimation, used by Crassus on his Roman soldiers that ran from a battle.
Don't get me wrong, it's not gratuitous violence, (and I do have bloodthirsty tendencies) it just is. But that's not all there is, Ben Kane brings depth to characters both actual and fictional. Spartacus the man, the master tactician, his charisma, arrogance, strengths and flaws, his ability to inspire unwavering loyalty, his love for Ariadne, his friendship with and respect for Carbo, the division in his army owing to Castus and Gannicus.
The 6000 slaves from Spartacus' army captured and crucified along the Via Appia from Capua to Rome was horrifying beyond comprehension but I loved that Ben Kane adhered to history connecting the reader with Ariadne and Carbo's pain in such a deeply moving way.
I wish it could continue ... "Victory - or death! Victory - or death!"
Recommend: For history buffs, fans of Roman history and military fiction and lovers of a damn fine read!
Spartacus Rebellion played out like cinematography in my mind, the scenes so vivid, visceral, I could almost smell the blood, hear the screams, see the carnage. I swear I dry retched at the descriptions of decimation, used by Crassus on his Roman soldiers that ran from a battle.
Don't get me wrong, it's not gratuitous violence, (and I do have bloodthirsty tendencies) it just is. But that's not all there is, Ben Kane brings depth to characters both actual and fictional. Spartacus the man, the master tactician, his charisma, arrogance, strengths and flaws, his ability to inspire unwavering loyalty, his love for Ariadne, his friendship with and respect for Carbo, the division in his army owing to Castus and Gannicus.
The 6000 slaves from Spartacus' army captured and crucified along the Via Appia from Capua to Rome was horrifying beyond comprehension but I loved that Ben Kane adhered to history connecting the reader with Ariadne and Carbo's pain in such a deeply moving way.
I wish it could continue ... "Victory - or death! Victory - or death!"
Recommend: For history buffs, fans of Roman history and military fiction and lovers of a damn fine read!
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Giveaway:
And just because I want to share the love I'm giving away a copy of SPARTACUS Rebellion or if you'd prefer, SPARTACUS The Gladiator. Just leave a comment telling me why this one gets your blood going?
The giveaway is for one paperback copy, international but you must be in an area serviced by The Book Depository.
Extra Entries:
+ 2 tweet giveaway and leave a link
Giveaway ends 15th June and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!
Really great review ! I'd love the chance to win the Sparactus Rebellion. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks and good luck :)
DeleteI am captivated with this era and the novel sounds wonderful. Spartacus the Gladiator would be lovely. many thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love this era too, it's an exciting change from Tudor England which I'm a huge fan of :)
DeleteI remember, long ago, as a teenager, seeing the Kirk Douglas movie Spartacus and becoming fascinated by this slave/hero. Would love to read these books; wanting to win the first one, Gladiator. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI watched the newer Spartacus series and loved it even though it's probably full of historical inaccuracies I was completely enthralled lol
DeleteSounds good, but at the same time it's sad what happens
ReplyDeleteIt's great to get so caught up in the story, that even though you know how the history goes, you still wish for a different ending :)
DeleteSounds great!!!
ReplyDeletethanks for popping in Julie
DeleteA great review and giveaway. It would be special to read Spartacus Rebellion. Thanks for this chance. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, good luck with the giveaway!
DeleteThanks teddyree, for such a great review! I'm very pleased that you enjoyed the book so much - especially since you felt the emotion that I did when writing it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments, everyone, and good luck! I hope that if and when you read my books, you enjoy it and spread the word.
Best wishes
Ben
well deserved praise Ben! I'm looking at your backlist, I have such high expectations now ... what to read next??lol
DeleteI love my history wrapped up in a great story. SPARTACUS REBELLION sounds very exciting.
ReplyDeleteI wasn't kidding when I said unputdownable Mary :)
Delete@Mary: I'm glad that you think so!
ReplyDeleteI am a huge lover of damn fine reads!! This sounds amazing and coming from you I know it will be good!
ReplyDeleteI'd pretty much guarantee you'll love them Staci!!
Delete