Justin Swanton

Being a war gamer and casual student of strategy and tactics, I was really looking forward to reading this book. The first half of the book dives into the phalanx formations with a significant amount of historical exegesis combined with a fair amount of practical examination of the science/rationale behind them. The author inserts numerous references to historical descriptions of how these formations where reported used in famous battles to support his various hypotheses. While I had a good working knowledge of the over-all battle field strategies from this time period, I was a little fuzzy of the how the individual within the formation actually contributed to the battle. This book pretty much covers this in exhausting detail ... I must admit that I did not completely understand why these formations were so consistant before ... however, at times I still found myself skimming the detailed battle descriptions. One new detail that I learned was how the shield design facilitates or impedes a shield push before. Unfortunately we don't get the same detail for the non-Infantry formations (chariots and cavalry), either because the book is already big enough or because we don't have enough information to fully examine or compare various hypotheses.

This book is a solid, if somewhat narrow, reference book and highly recommended for anyone interested in historical warfare.

I was given this free advance reader copy (ARC) ebook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
#AncientBattleFormations #NetGalley… (més)

Interesting book covering the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century, or more specifically, the fall of Roman France (what was left of it) to the Franks, the people who gave their name to the country that was to be established in place of the ancient Roman province that have been called Gaul.
The story is told from the perspective of a girl who is caught between both worlds, the daughter of a Roman Centurion, and raised in the villa of a Roman Aristocrat, Æmilia is however, half Frankish, and her knowledge of the Frankish language makes her useful to those who wish to negotiate- but also causes her to be subject to suspicion and discontent.


In one sense, it is the story of a young Lady struggling to survive in a society that clings to the old ways that seem doomed to die out, but to nonetheless hold onto and protect all she holds dear; her father, her faith, her love of books and learning.
Yet she could only fight for so long, and eventually must learn to accept the new order. One part coming of age story, perhaps in another sense, but also a sold work of historical fiction in its own right, with plenty of realistic details, and is obviously well researched.

Had I not heard in a documentary recently that the Romans built apartment blocks, I might have thought the references to these an anachronism- but it is not so. There’s even a element of Romance, and the characters face realistic challenges and moral dilemmas. Is it better for Æmilia to protect and defend the culture she knows and lives, at all costs, or be prepared to embrace the rule of the Franks? Is it better to remain loyal to her potentially treacherous employer, and risk the consequences, or reveal all, which could also prove detrimental? How can she please a father determined to do all he can to fight in what may ultimately be a hopeless cause, and whose loyalty to Rome verges on fanaticism?

My only real historical complaints were some terms and phrases which seemed rather modern. Also, the prayers to Mary may be an issue to non-Catholic readers- though I tend to accept these as a reflection of the time, and some rather odd manifestations of her faith every now and again. However, for those seeking a solid historical novel, which is not the usual Romance and perhaps requires a little more attention, it may be a good choice.
I was given a copy of this book by the author for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
… (més)

Set in an unusual period for historical novels--486 AD--the Western Roman Empire has collapsed and the Franks are becoming more powerful in Roman Gaul. Enjoyable and informative. Aemelia, a devout Christian and the daughter of a former centurion in the Roman army, arrives in Soissons to meet her father, whom she has not seen for years, having been raised by her Frankish mother. Considered the town eccentric, Tarunculus, her father, dreams of restoring Rome to its former glory and harangues people. Aemilia, since she can read and write, and also speak Frankish, as well as Latin, her father drafts her to help him by copying propaganda pamphlets for distribution. Ladies' maid to Lady Julia, she inadvertently becomes part of Lady Julia's intended treachery, when Lady Julia meets with the Frankish king and she acts as translator.

Because of the promise Lady Julia has made to the Frankish king, undermining her husband, the governor, Syagrius, when the Gauls lose the Battle of Soissons and the Franks take the city, it is left open to them. Then, Aemilia's life takes quite an unexpected turn.

This novel was quite readable. Aemilia especially was a strong character and we see her reliance on God. I had strong negative or positive emotions about each of the main characters--depending.

Recommended.… (més)