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Title: The Pillars of Rome

Subtitle: Book 1 of the Republic Series

Author: Jack Ludlow

Narrator: Nick Boulton

Format: Unabridged

Length: 12 hrs and 13 mins

Language: English

Release date: 10-13-11

Publisher: Audible Studios

Ratings: 4 of 5 out of 77 votes

Genres: Mysteries & Thrillers, Historical

Publisher's Summary:

With barbarians at the gate and enemies within, two men must fight for the soul of the Republic. In a cave hacked out of rock two young boys appeal to the famed Roman oracle for a glimpse into their future. In the flickering torchlight the Sybil draws the blood-red shape of an eagle with wings outstretched: an omen of death. As they flee the cave in fear, Aulus and Lucius make an oath of loyalty until death. An oath that will be tested in the years to come. Narrator Nick Boulton brings this story of prophecy, courage, history and adventure to powerful life in this audio edition of the opening chapter of The Republic Series.

©2008 Jack Ludlow (P)2011 Audible Ltd

Critic Reviews:

"Historical fiction at its very best." (Historical Novels Review)

Members Reviews:

Action Packed History, Great Narration

What a fantastic story! I was sucked in from the first moment and loved following Ludlow's dynamic and likable characters. It is an incredably interesting time in rome's history as the republic breaks down, the nobility struggle with the demands of the poor and the provinces for rights and the growing threat of unified hostile tribes. The characters are on all sides and often their loyalties are divided. The scenes of battle are as compelling as the political plots. I'm not sure why there is the bad review. The narration is wonderful and I looked for other books by Boulton because I liked it so much. However, since taste differs I would urge people to always listen to the sample of an unfamiliar narrator. I thought this was a book that could reach outside the genre to those who may not be fascinated by history or ancient Rome. The author does take time to develope his characters and plot in a thoughtful way but I do not feel this slows the action, or makes the book too cerebral. It is a more intelligent page turner however, and if you are looking for a book as light as a sitcom you may be disappointed. I would highly recommend this book.

An Exciting Beginning of a Great Series

This book, historically, is set in the period of early Roman Republic during the murder of Tiberius Gracchus over his land reform program. The author then combines various tales from the Illyrian wars as his setting for one of his characters. The book has two main character, Senator Lucius whom he makes the murderer of Gracchus and the great General Aulus Macedonicus who will die in a fight with Illyrians.

This books sets up the political and military adventures of the two main character and introduce what will be the stars of the later books in the series - the the sons of the Aulus and Lucius. Both men are standins for the political and military symbols of the Republics - Aulus their greatest general and Lucius the most powerful Senator.

The prolog ties Aulus and Lucius together by a visit to the Sybilline cave and a prophcy made to the two boys. This book and later books is about the fulfillment of that prophecy.

The book gives a good picture of the policial machinations in Rome of the time and how both men wielded power. The scene in the Senate where Aulus swears that Lucius did not murder Tiberius is very powerful indeed.

For the sake of the story several anachronisms are introduced. I really doubt if Aulus or any Roman General would take his wife on Campaign in Gaul.