James MaceReseñas

Brutal Valour by James Mace follows several young soldiers from the 24th Regiment of Foot as their company undertakes an unsanctioned, illegal invasion into Zulu territory under the auspices of Sir Henry Bartle Frere.

This is a hefty book, coming in around 500 pages, and is full of rich, well-researched detail. Though a novel of fiction, the events described in Brutal Valour did happen. This isn't a war I was familiar with, and I found it quite fascinating (as well as irritating. Reading stuff from colonial times can do that to me. The unmitigated arrogance of trying to take over so-called 'less civilised’ countries because you want their resources, and thinking of these people as less. Just, no, son. Chill.)

Reading this inspired me to look further into this time and place in history. It's such a shame that, despite a victory at Isandlwana, the Zulu suffered such horrific losses, and this set into motion a domino effect that would lead to eventual defeat in the overall war. Mace has an engaging writing style that made for easy reading. Interspersed are photos, maps, and drawing that help put perspective and a sharper focus on the reality underlying the story.

Highly recommended if you enjoy historical fiction or military fiction, especially of this era.

***Many thanks to Silver Dagger Blog Tours and the author for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This story of Verus, a captive gladiator in empirical Rome, was well written and exciting. It was obvious the author did his research, and very little exposition was needed to keep the story on pace. Instead, the third-person POV was used to cut away from the main character and bring us glimpses of the emperors in order to show the bigger picture.

The characters were somewhat archetypical, but I still cared whether or not the "good guys" survived in the arena.

Settings were described adequately, and I'm glad there is no such thing as "smell-o-book" to add to the atmosphere of blood, sweat, and worse.

The Kindle format was presented very well, with few errors throughout.

There is obviously quite a bit of violence, but it was only appropriate given the subject matter and it was not egregious. The occasional foul language might have added for the sake of authenticity, but was somewhat grating, especially for a woman reader, and I think it could have been toned down, or perhaps other choices could have been used. No real sex; although the author could have gone this direction, I'm glad he didn't.

Interesting novel of Legions IX and XX of Roman army fighting united tribes in Western Britannia under Caratacus several years after the Roman Conquest. The story moved among indigenous tribes, legates and Governor, Emperor Claudius, and a Centurion Magnus Flavianus. Magnus, although born in Ostia had ancestors who came from the northlands [Jutland?]. He is in his 40s, very close to retirement age. He is fighting deep sorrow and nightmares at the death of his pregnant lover and mourning the loss of various good friends over the years. Every one is gone. The main story was the pursuit of and fighting against the wily Caratacus; he united disparate tribes and was a master of guerrilla warfare. This novel was satisfactory but nothing special. It seemed to me Magnus was a pale copy of the character Ballista in Harry Sidebottom's series Warrior of Rome. Battle scenes were insipid as compared to others I've read elsewhere. Some of the name choices were odd and out of place here--for instance, a sister named Svetlana [Slavic], her friend named Ana [Spanish]; he sees them when he goes to his grandfather's homeland to visit family on leave.
I did like the fact that the language put into the mouth of a captured king was Welsh, rather than Gaelic. The natives probably would have spoken an old [or obsolete] version of Welsh. The author did make the natives sympathetic. I liked the author's "Historical Afterward [sic.]"--what finally happened historically to several characters and to several tribes.

Most of what I know about Roman legionnaires comes from an interest in archaeology, so I had no understanding or real knowledge of the era represented here. I received this book from a friend with more widespread interests than mine ( I know some USMC, US Rev War, and Norse). That being said, I enjoyed the inter-regimental politics, insight into how things were done and perceived by the men in the field. More knowledgeable reviewers attest to the historicity of events and are pleased with this rendering. My personal view is that I now wish to read more of this series, from the first onward.
Patterson's performance is excellent, of course. Clear precise speech and audio interpretation of personages and emotions bring the tale to life and enhance reader understanding.
One man can make a difference, regardless of standing or century.

While the writing was good, I found the constant and expansive descriptions to be distracting. In addition, I find that if you have to have a cast of characters at the beginning of a book, then you probably have too many characters in your book. In the end, I couldn't get into the story. It wasn't really my type of book.

This 100 page novella is a horrifying snapshot of a suicidal mission. Technically a prequel to I Stood With Wellington (which I loved), this and the full-length novel can be read alone. (As can I Stood With Wellington.)

Set in 1812, Mace takes the reader into the siege of a Spanish fortress, focusing on the group of soldiers known as the 'Forlorn Hope' -- the first wave of attackers expected to die, meant only to pave the way for further assault. Mixing gritty details and cinematic elements in his combat scenes with a focus on a few individuals -- both French and British -- Mace hooked me on this story.

I'm not typically a reader of combat/military fiction, but this is a story of soldiers -- good, bad and everything in between -- and the military culture of 19th century armies. From the 'ranks' to the officers, we're given glimpses of the snobbery, prejudices, and camaraderie common in the time.

Mace builds tension methodically, ticking away the hours to the siege, introducing us to some of the men participating. A young officer volunteers impetuously, aching at the sudden death of his wife. When the breach is delayed, he finds himself less certain about his decision but is committed nonetheless.  A young raconteur fears he'll die without knowing love; a terminally ill man chooses this death over a more protracted one. 

Even though I technically 'knew' what happened at Badajoz from characters referencing it in I Stood With Wellington, I was still glued to this book. It was quite a nail-biter, shockingly gory at moments (but not gratuitously), and thankfully ended beyond the last moments of Badajoz.

As with I Stood With Wellington, Mace's Notes are fascinating to read. Again sharing his goals and desires in writing this novella, he also reflects on his sources and the historical and fictional characters featured.

At about 100 pages, this was a zippy read, a wonderful introduction to Mace's writing style and a good dip into a historical novel that mixes well military and combat narrative with character-driven plot.

I'm not a Napoleon fangirl but I love novels set during his time. I cut my teeth on Georgette Heyer and the Georgian-era is still a favorite. And while I like books set during wartime, I'm not really drawn to the combat narrative -- I like stories about those at home -- but recently, I've found that novels set squarely in the battlefield have been engaging and this book is no exception.

Opening in 1814, Mace drops us in the middle of a violent skirmish in Toulouse, France, in which famed British military hero, the Duke of Wellington, is driving back Napoleon's armies. Alternating between French and British viewpoints, Mace sets up a rather complicated back story fairly easily, contexting the conflict that just happened and establishing what's to come. It took me about two chapters to get totally up to speed, I admit, but by the third chapter, I was hooked. As the European powers wage peace, Napoleon frets in exile, and it is only a matter of time before he returns to Europe to take back France, an invasion that culminates in the Battle of Waterloo.

Mace weaves these bursts of conflict in with a few character-driven threads (or perhaps the other way around) and as a result, I was caught up in the drama of both 'what will Napoleon do next??' and 'I hope that sweet British widower will remarry that nice Englishwoman!'. Reminiscent of Heyer, Mace's novel touches upon the rigid class stratification in the British Army, the societal changes happening in the world around them, and the shocking reality of life for a 19th century soldier. Being the opposite of a war buff, I wouldn't know my bayonet from my ... some other 'b' term, but Mace peppers the narrative with tidbits and hints to help the reader envision the scene and understand what is going on.

What really impressed me -- because I love it when done well -- is that Mace balances a light touch (hints of a courtship between two characters) with a darker one (the behavior of the 'good guys' during a particularly hellish combat moment). In his 'Final Thoughts' (more on that later), he reveals he strove to create some ambiguity about who were the 'good guys' and 'bad guys', and he nailed it: I was for the British and French constantly.

This particular edition was a treat to read, an enhanced e-book loaded with extras. The novel clocks in at about 480 pages with a rich collection of appendices to answer any armchair historian's questions, from a detailed list of military ranks with explanation, a historical afterward that shares the fate of the major historical players, and perhaps my favorite section, an annotated list of what historical regiments from this novel still exist and in what form. The book is peppered with illustrations -- either historical or contemporary renditions of the events at the time -- which I loved and appreciated.

Mace's 'Final Thoughts', in which he shares his thoughts on writing this novel, was a pleasure to read. I love reading about the craft of writing as much as the actual product and Mace echoes that refrain I've heard from other historical novelists, a desire to balance accuracy with entertainment.

You can read a preview chapter at the publisher website to get a sense of Mace's style but I will again mention it took me two chapters -- and was worth it. A wonderfully rich and detailed chunkster for those who like Georgian-era historical fiction, war stories, or the Franco/Anglo divide.

FORLORN HOPE: THE STORMING OF BADAJOZ by James Mace is an interesting historical fiction set during the Napoleonic War of 1812,Badajoz,Spain. A novella,which is the prelude to "I Stood With Wellington" by this author. The battle of 1812 will always loom over Badajoz. This battle set the stage for the downfall and defeat of Napoleon. What an interesting and detailed story of the tragedy at Badajoz,Spain. The men who fought that battle,their challenges,their struggles,their loss and the heroism of that dreadful day. If you enjoy the Napoleonic War history, the history of Badajoz,Spain,and battles you will enjoy this title. This is my first read by this author,and I hope to read more by him. With his vivid descriptions,and his attention to details, you feel as though you where there. These where brave men who risk all, some lost all to save their country. A must read for all and any history buffs,and fiction readers. Received for an honest review from the author and Pump Up Your Book.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews

Six. Long. Years. For Six long years, Artorius has longed for revenge. His older brother, Metellus was brutally murdered at Teutoburger Wald by Arminius and his men. Men who were supposed to be loyal to Rome. Now of age, Artorius joins the Roman Legions. And now Rome and Artorius are bend on revenge. But Arminius is cunning and he isn't going to bow before Rome and her legionaries.
I have read a lot of books about Rome, but none about her military conquests. Rome's military might is (in)famous, and was a force to be reckoned with. Rome was the military gold standard.
The characters in this book were good. Althought Artouris' main goal was revenge, he wasn't one dimensional. His mental and physical development matched his character development. The material in this book is VERY dark and gritty at some places. The brutality is almost overwhelming, but it is accurate. This isn't fictionalized drama. Mace doesn't gloss over the harsh realities faced by Rome's legionaries. I found the high contrast between Germania's roughness and Rome's silkiness fascinating.
This was a great book, and I found myself engrossed despite the "manliness" of this book. I also read the sequel to this book, Soldier of Rome: The Sacrovir Revolt. I will review this book on Wednesday! I will probably find myself reading the rest of theses books after I fulfill some other reading obligations.

Three years after defeating Germania, Artorius still loves being a legionary. Recently promoted to Decanus and Chief Weapons Instructor, Artorius has earned a fierce reputation both on and off the field. In Gaul, a former "victim" of the Twentieth Legion is plotting revenge. Sacrovir, a noble of Gaul, is forming an army of kidnapped noble Gauls, gladiators and criminals. With vast amounts of money, arms and men, he hopes to smash Rome's legions and regain Gaul's independence and obtain personal revenge. The second installment of the Soldier of Rome is a story of betrayal, treason and Rome's military might.
The Sacrovir Revolt opens with the death of Germanicus. Rome is stunned by the loss of her glorious son and the shock waves spread to her legions. I liked how Mace showed the feelings of both Imperial Rome and the Twentieth Legion. It was in this part especially that Artorius showed how much he has grown as a leader and a man. Soon, the Twentieth Legion must set aside their grief and enter combat. The combat in this book was slightly less graphic than its prequel, but is still accurate in its gore. Since revenge wasn't first and foremost on Artorius' mind, we see his humanity shining through more and more.
I enjoyed this book, it was just as great as the first one. Start with book one and enjoy these books! Mace did a fantastic job bringing Rome's elite fighting force to life!

The Sacrovir Revolt is the second book in the Artorian Chronicles and I have to say it’s just as good as the first one! Artorius has continued to work with Vitruvius on his weapons training and has become a legend in his own right. Before too long there are rumblings of a revolt blossoming in Gaul. Artorius’s unit is sent to make sure the minor revolt does not become a major one.

When they get to Gaul they discover the man planning on helping them out is Sacrovir. The Gladiator owner who was humiliated and lost lots of money when Vitruvius killed his gladiator in the ring back in Rome. This causes a few warning flags in to go off among the officers that all might not be as it seems.

Overall I really enjoyed reading this book. It’s not very difficult to read and the author did an excellent job researching the time period. At times the story is a little brutal but the worst things that happen are only alluded to but rarely witnessed by any of the characters first hand. Once again we didn’t have a lot to worry about our set of heroes making it through the book, it was almost a given.

The author usually has a second story going at the same time as the one involving Artorius. It tends to show whats going on back in Rome with the rulers, in this case Tiberius. I think part of it is just that the author has done so much research he doesn’t want it to go to waste. I enjoyed the asides and felt it added to the book, but it was only tangentially related to the main story arc. I think you really get the feeling for the authors own esprit de corps from his service in the armed forces. You get the feeling that some of these soldiers are really people he has served with. Great book for those interested in the roman army or even in Rome in general.

A Kindle book. I read this through because I like novels of the Roman army, and the campaigns of Germanicus are a good story from Tacitus. The prose was wooden, the dialogue terrible: stilted, lecturing, not at all like someone was actually speaking. The Romans are good, the Germans are bad, and the Romans stand for freedom and honor, the Germans are treacherous and deserved to die. The young legionary Artorius is the wooden image of the soldier filled with lust for revenge for his brother murdered in the Teutoburgerwald, and his companions are similar type figures. I needed an escape to another time and got it, but can imagine a much better book.

Before I go further into reviewing this book, I am going to say, it’s a “guys” book. No fancy schmancy romantic war ideas, no going back to a tear stained love interest who was waiting for him to come back home or silly sappy love drama to make you cringe, etc etc you get the hint. This is full on brutal war descriptions, with the emphasis on brotherhood and fighting together against all odds.

The author did a really good job with his homework in making this book as historically accurate as possible, even providing footnotes, and where he got them from. I liked the amount of historical detail put into this book so every little moment was easily pictured, and descriptions of Roman military tactics, their weapons, and how they fought was well written. The plot was simple, and although it has been done before, it still served as a good basic story to introduce Artorius to the reader.

His development as a soldier was well done, although one could only assume the worst as it seemed that Artorius just got more angrier throughout the novel. The other characters in the book served as just supporting cast, although I wish there was more to them - although some had distinct personalities (Valens with his women, Magnus and his Northern ancestry) I wish there was just more development with them as I wanted to know more about these other characters too. It is a brutal book, battle scenes are written with extreme detail and the amount of violence is high. Although realistic because war is never something to be taken lightly, the sheer brutality of it described in this book may deter the readers from reading this.

The only other criticism I could see, is some readers might thing the testosterone level in this book really reaches its’ limits. It might be a turn off for some, I didn’t mind as it did seem obvious this book does cater to the male demographic. (Let’s just say, Artorius turns out to be a very very frustrated man, har har).

I thought it was very well done, and I want to keep reading the rest of this series. I’d like to know what happens next! I greatly recommend this to others who are fond of military history, or who love a good book about Ancient Rome.

In Soldier of Rome: Legionary we meet a young man, Artorius, who joins the Legions in order be a part of the force sent to punish the German barbarians for the Teutoburger Wald massacre. They had wiped out 3 Roman Legions including the one his older brother had been attached to. We follow Artorius as he joins the Legions as a recruit, is trained to be a Legionary and finally marches with the army to exact vengeance upon the barbarian horde.

This book happens primarily after the death of Caesar Augustus when Tiberius has taken over. An interesting and popular time for Roman historical fiction. While I’m not a Roman historian, what knowledge I do have about the time period matched with the facts Mace used in his stories. I believe he tried to be accurate in the details, especially when he described the Legions' weapons and their use.

This book tells a good story, though a little on the gruesome side (not a lot, but periodically he goes into details). The author has his favorites who you expect to come through mostly unscathed. All the bad things happen to others. This is not a dig against the book (and my wife prefers stories that work like that!) but it’s kind of like the Western , or even a David Eddings book, where you know the good guys are going to win, and not everyone enjoys that kind of story. I did enjoy the book and I do plan to acquire at least the next one in the series if not all of them.½