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Books #29 - 31: More Roman Mysteries
I’m waaay behind on my book reviews. So not only am I lumping three books into this review, but I’m also rolling out my new star rating system thanks to Allison’s Library Love and the developer, eyn.
[rating:5]
Roman Mysteries #8: The Gladiators from Capua by Caroline Lawrence
Lawrence really brings the Colosseum to life - I caution parents of younger readers on this one - it is not for the faint of heart. Although, I know if your younger readers have gotten this far in the series, they’re not turning back. This book opens with Jonathan being trained as a gladiator - he’s changed his name and is trying to forget his old identity. Believing his mother dead and Rome burned at his hand, guilt keeps him from returning to his friends and family. But in true Roman Mysteries fashion, of course those friends would never give up on him. And so the rescue and adventure begins! Enjoy :)
[rating:4.5]
Roman Mysteries #9: The Colossus of Rhodes by Caroline Lawrence
The friends set sail on Lupus’ new ship, formerly the Vespa - the slave ship Nubia travelled on. Lot’s of emotional moments for Nubia as well as for Lupus - who is hoping to find his mother. I was a little annoyed throughout the book with Flavia (hence the missing half star) because her usual singular focus kept placing more importance on their mystery (finding a kidnapper) rather than finding Lupus’ mom. It wasn’t just Flavia either. I could never tell if they really thought finding the criminal was more important or if they didn’t want to lose Lupus for good once he reunited with his mom. As for the rest of the story, I loved the descriptions of the seven wonders, and this book more than any other made me really want to visit Greece. You’ll have to read it to see if they find the kidnapper or Lupus’ mom.
[rating:5]
Roman Mysteries #10: The Fugitive from Corinth by Caroline Lawrence
While still at sea as part of Captain Gemina’s trade route, the friends pick up Aristo, who has just spent time with his family in Greece. Aristo informs everyone that he’d like to stay with his family and he’d like out of his contract. Later when Captain Gemina is found stabbed and bleeding, and Aristo is found standing over him holding the knife, he is arrested. Aristo escapes capture and flees and the four friends chase after him to bring him to justice. The story of Lupus’ mom also continues, and it’s a good one. I really loved Nubia in this book. She continues to be my favorite character - she has all the qualities I wish I had, although I fear I’m much more similar to Flavia. As always, Jonathan continues to be a source of comic relief and reason in this book. This is one of the best Roman Mysteries - do you think Aristo did it?
I’m waiting on book #11 from the library - it’s taking forever. I hope I’ve convinced you to start reading these books already. The BBC has created a Roman Mysteries show…wish I could watch it here in the States. I’m looking forward to the DVDs. There’s a trailer on YouTube.
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by Blabby
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Book #28
Roman Mysteries #7, The Enemies of Jupiter by Caroline Lawrence. Man, oh man. This was a page-turner. That crazy Jonathan and his hubris.
As always, I love the calm of Mordecai and Nubia. Flavia shows uncharacteristic restraint in this book, but mainly because she isn’t the focus.
I’m intrigued by the Emperor Titus. I know these books are factually based…I wonder if he really tried, as Ms. Lawrence portrays, to be a better man. An excellent chapter in the Roman Mysteries series. I can’t wait to see what happens in book #8.
(I think this was the first real cliff-hanger…the lack of resolution in this one made it all the better for me.)
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by Blabby
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Book #27 - The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina
Roman Mysteries #6, The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina by Caroline Lawrence. Flavia is truly a girl after my own bossy heart. When her father takes up with a woman, Flavia is sure that the interloper is evil. Following the model of Hercules, Flavia wrangles her friends into helping her complete twelve tasks to get to the bottom things. I loved Nubia in this one, and I was happy to finally learn what a camelopard was.
As always, highly recommended! Now I’m just waiting for #7 from the library. Blurgh.
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Book #26 The Dolphins of Laurentum
Roman Mysteries # 5, The Dolphins of Laurentum by Caroline Lawrence. Flavia’s father is shipwrecked, and returns home very ill. All of his wealth is tied to his ship’s cargo, so his creditors attempt to take his house. The kids and Aristo head to the home of Pliny the Elder, now left to Pliny’s nephew while the banking matters in Ostia are fixed. Of course, adventure ensues, and we get to know more of Lupus’ story. I just love Lupus. I also loved the Christian themes in this one. There are always Christian themes in these books, but this one was particularly moving.
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Book #25 The Assassins of Rome
Roman Mysteries #4, The Assassins of Rome by Caroline Lawrence. I truly love this series. The characters become richer and more interesting with each installment. This story focuses on Jonathan, whose assassin-uncle shows up and is wanted by Roman authorities. Adventure and intrigue take the four kids plus the handsome Aristo all the way to Rome to the Imperial Palace. More of Jonathan and Miriam’s backgrounds are revealed.
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by Blabby
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Book #22
(Book Binge book #12) Roman Mysteries #3, Pirates of Pompeii by Caroline Lawrence. This one was awesome! I read it in about an hour. Lots of focus on Nubia - who I love. Jonathan’s sense of humor and leadership qualities stand out. A little more of Lupus’ history is revealed.
Read these books already.
There’s no shame in my game…these books are probably for fifth or sixth graders, but I’m gobbling them up like I was 10 again. Good stories are good stories - no matter how old you are.
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Book #21
(Book Binge book #11) Roman Mysteries #2: Secrets of Vesuvius by Caroline Lawrence.
If book 1 moved a little slow, then book #2 flew by! I really liked this one. I started it this morning and finished it this afternoon. While the volcano was erupting, things get so chaotic that I almost couldn’t keep track of everyone, but it’s very exciting. Plus, I love fiction based on real events. It seems that Pliny the Elder was there launching ships during the eruption of the volcano…what a fun way to learn history. But don’t look up the history until after you read this book, because it will be a spoiler for you.
Again, I love Lupus and Nubia. Behold! They are great characters. You’ll have to read these books to see what that behold is all about. On to book #3, then I have to wait for my library to get #4 (very sad.)
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Book #20
(Book Binge book #10) Roman Mysteries #1: Thieves of Ostia by Caroline Lawrence. Chosen on recommendation from Bookwitch. Definitely a must for Harry Potter fans. Book 1 introduces the merry band of four friends who solve mysteries in ancient Rome. The group includes a well-bred Roman girl, a Christian boy, an African slave girl, and a Roman orphan boy with no tongue.
This book moved a little slow because of all the introducing, but I still really liked it. The characters are very unique and very smart. I like their individual strengths and their personalities. I especially love Lupus.
One thing that I noticed is that these books aren’t for the faint of heart. There is quite a bit of violence and bloodshed. Both by animals and people. It’s different from the scary parts in a book like Harry Potter because those books are so magical, you can kind of write off the scary stuff as magic too. But the scary stuff in the Roman Mysteries is pretty real. I’m curious to see what some other parents think about what age would be appropriate for their children to read these books.
Anyway, highly recommended, and on to book #2.
One other thing, I’m kind of an ancient Rome junkie. My most favorite series set in that time frame is The Camulod Chronicles by Jack Whyte. (I’m not crazy about his website - his books are MUCH more interesting.) Awesome retelling of the Camelot story (an all time favorite of mine) - includes lots of history, some fantasy elements and excellent writing. Excalibur as you’ve never seen it. Book 1 is The Skystone.
