King of Kings

Warrior of Rome, Book 2

De: Harry Sidebottom

Narrado por: Stefan Rudnicki

In A.D. 256, the specter of treachery hangs ominously over the Roman Empire. The sparks of Christian fervor have spread through the empire like wildfire, and the imperium is alive with the machinations of dangerous and powerful men. All the while, Sassanid forces press forward relentlessly along the eastern frontier.

The battle-bloodied General Ballista returns to the imperial court from the fallen city of Arete, only to find that there are those who would rather see him dead than alive. Ballista is soon caught in a sinister web of intrigue and religious fanaticism, and his courage and loyalty will be put to the ultimate test in the service of Rome and the emperor. The Warrior of Rome is back.

Harry Sidebottom is a fellow of St. Benet’s Hall and a lecturer at Lincoln College, Oxford University, where he specializes in ancient warfare and classical art.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend us your ears: listen to another Warrior of Rome novel.©2010 Benjamin Percy (P)2010 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Great Book but you have to pay attention!!!

I think the author is a professor because sometimes the book gets pretty specific with titles & the way government was run, but it was just enough to make it interesting but not bore you to death

I def. recommend this book & the series if you like epic books about empires & pitched/skirmish battles. Sometimes its annoying to have to wait a book before Ballista busts someone up good... You also get great character development, although I always think of the movie Gladiator when Maximus is mentioned, he also has some other close friends/ex-slaves that have interesting stories & backgrounds

I think the book comes as close to historical truth with added drama & action to turn the series into a great series. I gave the performance only 3 stars because I wish someone else could have read these books like Lee, Dotrice, or anyone else with a little deeper voice... but Its still entertaining

Come on Harry when do we get another one

I love Harry’s writing. This book was totally enthralling. So well done. I need to know that Balista got home. Come on Harry you got another one in you :)?

Drama, action and history

What did you love best about King of Kings?

the action. I really liked how everything kept moving quickly

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ballista, he's a honorable guy

Which scene was your favorite?

I don't recall

If you could take any character from King of Kings out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ballista, I'm sure he has a lot of stories to tell

Historical novel buff's dream

Would you listen to King of Kings again? Why?

I was out of state and on vacation, my friend knew I love historical novels. He didn't have book one but this one can stand alone. I pretty much listened to it straight through with only a few breaks for social events. I most certainly will and I am planning to purchase the series.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Ballista, he is the main character in this story and he shows amazing strength and is able to lean from his experiences. He becomes a cunning leader, and a steadfast individualist.

What about Stefan Rudnicki’s performance did you like?

I have listened to Stefan Rudniki narrate other books and he is up there with my top 20 favorite narrators. He can do accents and emotions wonderfully

If you could take any character from King of Kings out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ballista, for sure, but I don't think he'd have the time.

Any additional comments?

I notice there are only three books in this series. I truly hope that some time in the future there will be another. Even if it's a history from some one who knew Balista.

Solid book

This was a good book although I did not like it as much as the first book. It seemed a bit repetitive yet still an exciting read (listen).

Excellent continuation of the series

Picking up right where the previous one left off, this is an excellent continuation of the series. Many of the supporting characters from the first book return, and Ballista gets a few chances to redeem himself. Fortunately, so does the author, who scapegoated the Christians as his traitors, but used parts of this story to explain/caveat that decision, and it helped immensely. The mystery in this one is "who's trying to kill Ballista?" and it's so obvious that even the author just drops it and has the villain monologue his evil plans not just once, but twice directly to our hero. Bit underwhelming, but better than dragging it on well past its sell-by date. The action scenes are good, and the introduction of Ballista's family are a welcome addition to the cast of characters and drama.

Bottom line, a good book, tied with the first one as best in the series.