The Man with Two Names

This book was such a fabulous surprise for me. I’m not as familiar with the Roman history of the late 2nd century BC, though I read Colleen McCullough’s books on the same period. Davis, however, approaches them from a manly, miliatry standpoint, more than a political one. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes this book so successful.

Sertorius is a small-town youth, cast into a serpent’s nest of late Republican Rome, only to wind up making a few valuable friends and some very lethal enemies. He participates as one of “Marius’s Mules”, becoming severely wounded in courageous attempts to honorably elevate himself so that respect might be earned.

Davis has done his homework, diving into the ancient sources as well as some favored secondaries, to bring Sertorius and his family to life, beautifully. The world-building is lush and Davis has a real strength for developing not only main characters, but complimentary ones. His plot was simple, following the historical record as much as possible. I’ll add that I’m much impressed that an author with such a military background is inviting his “brothers in arms” to assist in beta-reading the storyline. Indeed, of all of the Roman History I’ve read, Davis’s book nearly brought me to tears several times, for he has hit the target when it comes to writing from a soldier’s perspective.

There are some editorial misses with typos, but this book so eloquently brings to life the bloody nature of Roman politics and power, it’s still worthy of 5 stars. It’s a powerful read because of who tells it. Bravo! I look forward to the next books.

I like historical fiction and this fits that nicely. A novel of ancient Rome. It started slowly, but as it progressed, I really got involved with the characters. This is a trilogy, and I’ve only read the first volume, so I have a bit to go. The character building is this book is excellent. The historical emphasis is also very interesting. I hope anyone else who reads it enjoys it also.

I was transported by the personalities in this tale. The victories and tragedies of the era of the Roman Empire were displayed in an informed and engaging way. Gritty, but never descending to peverse the”realities” were balanced with a humility that kept me reading.

Good historical background on a soldiers life in Ancient Rome. Highly recommend it, if you like he Roman Empire history and the people’s lives.

Very enjoyable

Very good. I’m so thankful I was born at a different time and country.

Sertorius Faces Enemies from the Roman Forum to the Wilderness of Gaul

With themes that resonant today (“The idea of an innocent statesman is more myth than the Minotaur”) and a history of ancient Rome that comes to life, it’s easy to find much to like in The Man With Two Names. The protagonist of this historical fiction, Quintus Sertorius, is pressed into political service when his father dies, leaving his hometown without a presence in Rome—a presence that’s necessary if his village is to receive the aid they need to survive. Service to the Roman patricians soon runs counter to Sertorius’s values, however, and he joins the Roman Legions in order to keep his people from starving. Now, his once possible benefactors in Rome become his mortal enemies, forcing Sertorius to face threats on two fronts—from the nobility and from Rome’s enemies in the distant battlefields of Gaul. It’s hard choice, picking the more treacherous and deadly of the two.

The pacing at first is a bit slow, as the picture of everyday life and political maneuvering in ancient Rome is painted. But when Sertorius changes allegiance, the story becomes more tension-filled and moves more quickly. The confusion and deadly surrealism of the battle scenes are particularly well done. With the book written in first person, it soon becomes clear that Sertorius is quite humble. He tends to focus on his naivety, nervousness, and stammer. But with others seeing greatness in him and through his actions, we soon learn his true mettle. With the complex political situation and infighting among and within families, I found it somewhat difficult to keep all the characters straight. But the main characters are well developed and soon this problem lessens as they start to feel real. Finally, the last scene felt somewhat abrupt. Although it’s not a cliff-hanger, it definitely foretold of volumes to come.

Overall, if you like historical fiction and particularly, if you like tales of ancient Rome, you’ll love this book.

This story is written by a boy who becomes a man, who joins the king’s army to better his village. If he is in the army the village will be protected and have food; or so he has been led to believe. He becomes a great man and does great exploits. But there is a second book so this is not the end.

I liked it!

Well written and easy and fun to read.