Wrath of the Furies: A Novel of the Ancient World (Novels of Ancient Rome Book 15)
Wrath of the Furies: A Novel of the Ancient World (Novels of Ancient Rome Book 15) book cover

Wrath of the Furies: A Novel of the Ancient World (Novels of Ancient Rome Book 15)

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Price
$12.99
Publisher
Minotaur Books
Publication Date

Description

"A highly suspenseful plot and a moving resolution distinguish Saylor’s masterful third novel featuring Roman sleuth Gordianus the Finder." - Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Every bit as good as its history- and tension-packed predecessors…sustains a high level of suspense, while Saylor gives readers great sandals-on-the-ground details of the ancient world." - Booklist (starred review) "Saylor has concocted one of his best novels so far with this tale of intrigue and extraordinarily bloody reckonings...an international thriller, with espionage, world-shaking events, and plenty of plots, plans, and conspiracies." - Edge Boston "The series has been rejuvenated by the younger hero and is now better than ever. ... [Saylor] the undisputed master of the Roman historical mystery." - Historical Novel Society "With its expert mix of comedy and tragedy, Wrath may be Saylor's most thought-provoking work, a book that shows sympathy for all while asking us to ponder mankind's seemingly limitless capacity to do terrible things, then as now." - USA Today --This text refers to the paperback edition. STEVEN SAYLOR is the author of acclaimed historical mystery novels featuring Gordianus the Finder, including Raiders of the Nile , as well as the internationally bestselling historical novels Empire and Roma . He has appeared on the History Channel as an expert on Roman politics and life. He divides his time between Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas. --This text refers to the paperback edition.

Features & Highlights

  • In 88 B.C., it seems as if the entire ancient world is at war. In the west, the Italian states are rebelling against Rome; in the east, Mithridates is marching through and conquering the Roman Asian provinces. Even in the relatively calm Alexandria, a coup has brought a new Pharaoh to power and chaos to the streets. The young Gordianus has been waiting out the chaos in Alexandria, with Bethesda, when he gets a cryptic message from his former tutor and friend, Antipater. Now in Ephesus, as part of Mithridates' entourage, Antipater seems to think that his life is in imminent danger. To rescue him, Gordianus concocts a daring, even foolhardy, scheme to go "behind enemy lines" and bring Antipater to safety. But there are powerful, and deadly forces, at work here, which have their own plans for Gordianus. Not entirely sure whether he's a player or a pawn, Gordianus must unravel the mystery behind the message if he's to save himself and the people he holds most dear.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
30%
(181)
★★★★
25%
(151)
★★★
15%
(91)
★★
7%
(42)
★
23%
(139)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Gordianus returns to Ephesus

A distinct improvement over the breathless, somewhat improbable daring do of Raiders of the Nile. The action returns to Ephesus and many of the characters introduced in Saylor's Wonders of the Ancient World volume (The Temple of Diana). The city is in the iron grip of the eastern ruler, Mithradites, who plans to eliminate Rome's presence from the Mediterranean world. Gordianus, still living in Alexandria with Bethesda, receives a fragment from a diary from his old teacher, Antipater, and journeys incognito to the Greek city to attempt to rescue him from the peril mentioned in the scroll. On arriving he is plunged headlong into a intricate and deadly palace intrigue, a scheme of the jealous and probably sadistic queen of Mithradites. Further, he is acting as a reluctant spy; a spy who has a handler he doesn't really trust.
The story, based on real events during the wars with Mithradites, combines the usual Saylor staples of oustanding descriptions of social life, religion, politics, strife, etc., in the ancient Roman world, the clever ingenuity of the principal character, Gordianus, and the continuing adventures and experiences of a young man who is growing into the adult of earlier books in the series.
6 people found this helpful
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Close, but no cigar

“Wrath of the Furies” continues the Gordianus prequel series, taking the young finder and his slave Bethesda to Ephesus to find his mentor Antipater, now deeply entangled with the court of Mithridates, Rome’s formidable enemy in the East. Steven Saylor’s account of ancient history and politics—horrific events occur throughout this tale—keeps us reading. But the story of Gordianus and his tutor, the latter told in part through a diary, lacks the invention and narrative drive of other books in the lengthy Sub Rosa series. Even Bethesda, rendered through the adoring eyes of a very youthful narrator, becomes a predictable bore. Still, Saylor’s erudition and his way with words make up for a lot.
5 people found this helpful
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Disappointing effort from a very good author. Each latest book is slipping towards mediocrity

Disappointing effort from a very good author. Each latest book is slipping towards mediocrity. No longer a mystery, more of an adventure. How I miss the earlier books in the series. In will buy the next book hoping it will be better. This is one of my favourites writers.
5 people found this helpful
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I really like Steven Saylor's books

For starters, I really like Steven Saylor's books, having read them all; and that is the crux of the matter. This is not one is not up to his par, While well written as usual, the plot was thin, I kept waiting for a twist or some surprise he almost always delivers but this time I found it too predictable and a bit of a yawn. I just hope his next is better.
5 people found this helpful
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A spy in the temple of artemis

The recent spate of historical mysteries might be traced to the first Gordianus the Finder book in the 1990s. Having brought his hero into old age, Steven Saylor has doubled back and, in the mist recent books in the series, has the Finder recounting his youth.
In this book Gordianus travels to Ephesus to rescue his old tutor and finds himself enmeshed deadly intrigue.
More an adventure than a mystery, the book is fast paced and highly entertaining
2 people found this helpful
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One Too Many Gordianus Books

I have read most of Saylor's Roman books. I think he's written too many. Story in this one is obvious and a bit tedious. Our "finder" is more a superhero than a detective
2 people found this helpful
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Another great Gordianus mystery

"Wrath of the Furies" is essentially a prequel. Gordianus is 22 and hanging out in Egypt where his vocation is truly just beginning. Normally I hate prequels, but this story is complete, complex and coordinated with all other installments of the series. The historical research by the author is once again impeccable and is woven so well with the story it is hard to determine where the history ends and the story begins and vice versa. At the same time Gordianus's irreverence keeps the story light hearted; a necessity at a time in history when life was often short and horrid.
2 people found this helpful
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One Star

I used to love Steven Saylor's books, but they have gotten worse and worse. This one wasn't worth reading.
1 people found this helpful
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For Saylor Fans, Skip this Book!

I Really love this Author,but this book is not worthy for fans to read...really dull...throw together to meet a deadline I suppose.
1 people found this helpful
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Another great read from Steven Saylor

Not only does Saylor spin a great yarn, he also informs the reader about actual events of the ancient world. His books are almost as good as a time machine. The reader feels a connection with Gordianus, Bethesda, and the characters close to them. I highly recommend all of Saylor's novels featuring Gordianus the Finder.
1 people found this helpful

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