Forced to watch his father’s crucifixion and separated from his mother, orphaned six-year-old Adelbhert’s life forever changes when he is sold into slavery in Britannia.
Years of servitude fill his heart with malice and he resolves to escape, determined to rescue those he loves and deliver retribution to the Romans who wronged him.
But as new allies shed light on old perspectives, Adelbhert begins to question his path. Will he find true freedom, or allow his vengeance to consume him?
R. J. Krzak, Award-Winning Author, gave this review on Amazon
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Riveting Story Set in Roman Times
Vengeance of a Slave by V.M. Sang is a riveting story set during the period when Rome controlled Britannia. Follow the trials and tribulations of Adelbhert after he and his sister are taken by the Romans from their mother. They eventually end up as slaves in what is modern-day London. Adelbhert performs a nightly ritual to remind himself of the suffering he and his sister have endured, beginning with the crucifixion of their father. He vows to escape and punish those who have wronged him.
V.M. has created a moving story which will keep you turning the pages to find out how Adelbhert and his sister handle their new life. Experience their sorrow, anguish, and finally hope as they adapt to their changing situation. This is the first novel I’ve read of V.M.’s and it certainly won’t be the last! Well done and highly recommended!
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This book is one of the books about the lawyer, Matthew Shardlake and is set at the time that Henry VIII wanted to divorce Anne of Cleves in order to marry Katherine Howard.
This is an exciting story and keeps you turning the pages. Just one more page. Oh, alright, just one more chapter. There are so many twists and turns in the plot that you simply must keep on reading?
Blurb
England, 1540: Matthew Shardlake, believing himself out of favour with Thomas Cromwell, is busy trying to maintain his legal practice and keep a low profile. But his involvement with a murder case, defending a girl accused of brutally murdering her young cousin, brings him once again into contact with the king’s chief minister – and a new assignment . . .
The secret of Greek Fire, the legendary substance with which the Byzantines destroyed the Arab navies, has been lost for centuries. Now an official of the Court of Augmentations has discovered the formula in the library of a dissolved London monastery. When Shardlake is sent to recover it, he finds the official and his alchemist brother horribly murdered – the formula has disappeared.
Now Shardlake must follow the trail of Greek Fire across Tudor London, while trying at the same time to prove his young client’s innocence. But very soon he discovers nothing is as it seems . . .
Story
Shardlake has, in the past, done work for Thomas Cromwell, and in this tale Cromwell sends for him to investigate the discovery of a mysterious substance, supposedly the mythical Greek Fire. Cromwell has promised a demonstration to the king, but unfortunately, the said Greek Fire has gone missing.
Things political are moving against Thomas Cromwell. The powerful Duke of Norfolk, Katherine Howard’s uncle, wishes a return to Rome, and his star is rising. This demonstration of Greek Fire (the Dark Fire of the title) would help Cromwell regain his position. But there are mysteries within mysteries here, and a time limit to find the stuff before the day of the demonstration.
At the same time as this, Shardlake has taken on the defence of Elizabeth, accused of murder, but whom Shardlake and her uncle believe to be innocent. Again, there is a time limit before her execution.
Characters
Matthew Sharadlake is afflicted with a twisted spine, and this causes him, not only physical problems, but he also meets with prejudices from people around him. However, in spite of this, he overcomes his physical problems, and does not let them cause him to become bitter.
He does have human flaws, though, which bring him to life as a real person, and we feel we can relate to him, and like him. His wit and intelligence get him through most things.
There are also other characters in the book who are also well-drawn. The man whom Cromwell sets to act as a help and protector of Shardlake, Jack Barak, is a complex character who is both educated and streetwise.
I cannot go through all the many characters we meet in these pages, but all are well-drawn and realistic.
Writing
The writing is excellent. I think I only discovered one typo and not grammatical errors in the whole book. Quite a breath of fresh air. Even in many traditionally published books I often find many typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
The research on the history of the time, and what life was like is exempliary. We can almost smell the rotting vegetables and other things in the streets and understand the horrors of Newgate prison. And the heat of the summer almost has us sweating along with Shardlake and Barak.
We feel along with Shardlake all his emotions and pains.
Conclusion
This is definitely a book to read if you enjoy mysteries set in past ages. I would recommend it to people who like mysteries wherever set, and also to people who enjoy books set in historical times. Perhaps not if your preference is for Historical Romance, though. Not much of that.
I’ve given it 5*
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Our ideas of the past have always been subject to what we see in the movies. This post shows the reality of life in what we call ‘The Wild West’. Very different from what is portrayed. But then again the reality probably wouldn’t make very good films!
March wind howls like wolves Stalking herds of antelope But I am safe inside.
Gentle breezes sigh, Making all the flowers dance, And wheat fields ripple.
The wind can destroy, Downing trees and causing Immense destruction.
I’ve tried to give different aspects of the wind in these three haiku.
Have you written any haiku? Did you find it easy or difficult to stick to the required format? I’d love to know what you wrote about and whether you posted them online.
LOSE/LOOSE (both verbs) This was not, in fact recent, but when I was teaching, many moons ago, I had a cover lesson for an absent English teacher. One child brought his work up to show me. I glanced at the previous work done and marked by the said English teacher. I cannot remember the exact sentence the boy had written, but let’s say it was something like ‘If you aren’t careful you’ll lose your wallet’ Imagine my shock when I noticed the boy had written ‘lose’, correctly spelling it, but the teacher (English teacher remember) had crossed it out and written ‘loose’.
WHET. To sharpen You use a whetstone to sharpen a knife (or dagger) I used to think, when I was little, that the said stone had to be used after putting water on it. But it’s a sharpening stone. Similarly the scent of cooking will whet (sharpen) your appetite for the meal to come.
INSURE/ENSURE (both verbs) Now these are becoming interchangeable, it seems. In fact, INSURE seems to be taking over, But in fact they have different meanings.
INSURE. This is to make payments to a company who will pay you money in compensation if the thing insured against happens. e.g. ‘When I go on holiday, I take out travel insurance in case something goes wrong.’
IMPLY/INFER. (both verbs) I heard these confused recently on BBC radio 4.IMPLY. To suggest something without actually saying it. e.g.‘Are you implying that I’m not telling the truth?’ INFER. To draw a conclusion from something that has not been specifically said. e.g. ‘I infer from what you said, that he told lies about it.’
HOARD/HORDE This one I read in a book recently, Hoard was used instead of Horde!
HOARD. A verb or a noun. Verb. To accumulate something, then hide it from others. Noun. A secret stock of money or other valuables that is usually kept secret.
HORDE. A large group of people, although it can be used of other living things. e.g.The pied piper of Hamelin led a HORDE of rats away from the town. There was a HORDE of football fans coming down the street toward me.
I hope these few words of mine help you in your use of the English Language.
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I would like to welcome A.J.Alexander to my blog today. She is about to launch the next book, Demon Tracker, book 3 in her Council of Twelve books, with a blog tour. I am delighted that she has agreed to come here and talk to us about it.
Hello, AJ. It’s good to have you here. Perhaps you can help us to get to know you a bit better by answering a few questions.
What is your e-reading device of choice? I’m reading on a Kindle Paperwhite
Describe your desk I have a computer desk with a laptop and an extra monitor, a multifunctional printer device and books, papers, paper sketchbooks and pens, pens, pens.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing? My upbringing does not have any influence on my writing. I’m writing fantasy and paranormal romance.
When did you first start writing? I’m not sure there ever was “a start”. I learned to write at the age of four and I remember developing little stories since I’m a Kindergarten kid. In school, when others complained about essays, mine were easily 6 – 10 pages long, I enjoyed it so much.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you? Writing is my passion. Writing is a way to focus my creativity on building a (hopefully) good story. Writing relaxes me, calms me, challenges me, and it makes me happy. It is a part of my life.
What are you working on next? I’m working on ‘The Council Of Twelve’ series and ‘Soul Taker’ is the first book of the series. Different books of the series are in different states of completed. Right now I’m writing the seventh and eighth book in the series while several are being edited or waiting with my editor.
Who are your favorite authors? I love reading Eric van Lustbader, James Clavell, Clive Cussler, and many other famous writers. But: I read books by L.W. Smith, Merlin Fraser, Micki Peluso, Taylor Fulks, Jim Spencer, Allan Krummenacker, and many others who held me intrigued and entertained. There are so many fantastic new authors out there. I’m adding their books to my “to-read” pile. Every single one of their books can teach me a lot about writing.
What is your writing process? The first draft is written by hand. By typing it into the computer I am able to catch the major flaws and can correct them. After that, the manuscript goes to editing, from there to filing for copyright. Then I send it out to Beta readers. That’s how I did it with the first book in the Series, ‘Soul Taker’. Let’s see how it works out and if the process will slightly change with the next books. Of course, there are more things in between, marketing, book cover, writing blurbs, getting a trailer done, and so on.
How do you approach cover design? I have KJ Magical Designs, Kathryn Jenkins, who does the covers for me. She is educated in graphic design and did a wonderful job with the first book of the series. I saw her work on other books and I’m happy I decided to pick her as my cover designer for that book series.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book? The answer is no. If I wasn’t happy with the book the way it is I wouldn’t call it ‘completed’. My work is completed when I’m satisfied with the book, the characters, the plot and the entire story. How can I expect readers to like it if I don’t fully stand behind my work?
Can you tell us a bit about the book?
Zepheira is the best Demon Tracker working for the Good side. With her unusual looks, her phenomenal sense of smell, and her bravery, she quickly draws ‘The Big 7’s attention to her talent. They hire her to find one of them. Leaving her familiar surroundings and regular work environment unsettles Zepheira at first. But the challenge to prove herself and to increase the reputation of her infallibility tempts her. She is convinced she will be a great asset to ‘The Big 7’. Little does she know she will be a much greater asset in Heaven’s fight against Evil. Zepheira suddenly becomes more than a hired tracker. She finds herself an important pawn in the game of love, heat, and fire. Will her courage and sacrifice be sufficient to dance with the flames?
And to whet your appetite, here’s an extract from the book.
Less than twenty minutes later, I received a message from Michael. I was strictly ordered not to do anything but stay where I was. Andreas would pick me up a little later. In the meantime, I could work out in the gardens with some of the angels if I wanted to. “I’m sorry, Zye. I must leave at once,” Uriel whispered. He kissed my cheek and was gone. I worked out with Robbie and Daniel while Maria watched us carefully. All three of them were excellent sword fighters and we had a good time. After the workout, I rinsed the sweat off my body, dressed in black pants and a white t-shirt and went outside again to sit down and just enjoy nature for a while. I watched frogs climbing out the pond, sparrows and hummingbirds flying and hopping all over the place and butterflies filling the air with breathtaking colors. After a while, Andreas sat down next to me on the white bench. “Hello, Zye.” “Hi, Andreas. I was told you were supposed to take me somewhere?” He smiled. “Not just somewhere, Zye. You will be meeting the ‘Council of Twelve’.” I froze. “Are you joking?” He shook his head. “No.” I felt my blood drain from my face. Andreas jumped up. “Holy Mary! You’re not going to pass out on me, are you?” I carefully stood up, testing whether my feet would still carry me. My body trembled. Andreas laughed. “Listen, Zye, there is no reason at all to freak out. Yes, they’re Archangels, but they won’t eat you. Don’t forget, Uriel will be there as well and he’s likely to protect you!” I took a couple deep breaths. “Yes, he will. But what can he do when eleven others are voting against me?” Andreas laughed. “What do you think they’d vote for? Killing you? Zye, they’re angels, standing on our side, fighting against evil. Just like what you do!” His words made me think for a few moments before I finally replied, “I can’t help myself, Andreas. I’m still scared to death.” He smiled mildly. “There is no reason to fear them. Of course, respect them. After all, they’re probably the most powerful individuals on Earth besides our one and only Creator. They’re not going to do anything bad or evil to you.” I slowly tried to slow my heart rate and bring my trembles under control. “See? You’re getting better.” Andreas grinned. Then he opened his arms and offered to carry me to the assembly hall. The so-called “assembly hall” was an enormous room, beautifully built, with polished marble of purest silver-gray, inlaid by some marble that looked like the veins of fire. The ground was covered with anthracite colored stone and harmonized beautifully with the light gray walls and the beautifully painted fiery ceiling. The ceiling was so high, even the Archangels could fly within the hall. The room was equipped with a small waiting area with black leather seats and a small glass table. It was quite modern, but comfortable. Andreas gave me a brief description before we started to prepare me for the impressive and pompous sight. After our arrival, I stepped away from Andreas and in my head heard Uriel’s voice: “If you’re going to do this more often, girl, I will have problems with that.” I grinned. “There is only one solution to this problem,” I replied. “And this is?” Uriel’s buoyant voice asked back. “Next time pick me up yourself, Mr. Taxi,” I snarled. I enjoyed the mental clash and the growing closeness it showed between Uriel and me. Andreas curiously examined my face. “You were just somewhere else with your thoughts,” he commented with amusement. I blushed furiously which made him chuckle. “I’ll wait here for you.” I swallowed. “I… okay.” Then I turned to the huge ornate white door that opened by itself to let me inside. There I found two huge angel warriors in full armor and a beautiful winged woman gesturing for me to follow her. She led me through a light, nearly empty corridor to a smaller pair of wooden doors. She opened them to let me enter. I hesitantly entered and the door closed behind me. There I stood in front of a simple long table with twelve tall, exceptionally beautiful Archangels, each of them unique Still, I had the impression that these individuals formed an enormously strong singular entity. Of course, I saw their different manifestations , but what caught me off guard was the fact I could perceive them all so clearly. Their smells and aromas were much stronger than the ones of other individuals I had encountered. I already memorized Uriel’s scent. To me he was the purity of flames and heat, fire, and blaze. But to be truthful, he smelled deliciously like cinnamon. I hid a smile. I interrupted my train of thought when Michael stood. “Please, Zye, come closer and meet the ‘Council of Twelve.’ From your left: Uriel, Myself, Anghariel, Zachariel, Centriel, Deonur, Raphael, Gabriel, Benadrel, Santanael, Tsechirel, and Simael.” He threw me a sharp look. “You seem to be totally in shock, Zye. Are you all right?” I almost collapsed; my mouth was as dry as an Arabian desert. I had to swallow before finally I was able to reply. “Forgive me, Mylords. I just discovered that I apparently can catch your natural fragrance in a very strong and unique way. It hit me when I entered the hall.” Gabriel rose, eyeing me curiously. “Wow, really? You’re not kidding?” I only shook my head. “Does that mean, even if you can’t see us, you’re still able to tell we’re here?” “Not only that,” I explained. “Each one of you smells unique.” Gabriel seemed enthusiastic about this information. “You could tell us apart without even seeing us?” “Yes, Sir.” “No ‘Sir’ here, Zye,” he replied with the wink of an eye. “I’m Gabriel.” He turned to the others who had similar expressions on their faces. “Oh, please, can we take the time?” Michael laughed. “We’re not in a hurry.” He scanned me quickly. “Are you up for a test?” I swallowed dryly. “Yes.” Uriel stood. “Fine with me, friends. But seriously: she looks like she’s going to pass out any minute. Would you mind being nice enough to offer her some water and let her relax for a couple of minutes?” He walked around the table and handed me a glass of water. His hand was placed caringly onto my shoulder. Just when I took a sip, Anghariel drawled, “Sheesh, Uriel. You sound as worried as Grandma Walton.” I spit my mouthful of water across the floor, laughing. This unexpected little mishap made the Archangels stare at me in wonder before they smiled as well. I apologized, but it took a couple minutes until we all calmed down. By that time, I was visibly relaxed and Michael called his friends to order. “What do you need for us to do, Zye?” he asked politely. I smiled. “Not too much. I need to separate each one of you. I would say, at about the distance from here to the furthest corner over there. Then your natural perfumes won’t get mixed altogether.” “Who do you want to start with? Uriel?” Michael asked curiously. Anghariel chuckled. “I don’t think so, brother. I’ll bet my socks she knows his stench quite well by now.” I blushed, Uriel grinned and eleven Archangels apparently had tons of fun. I bowed my head politely to Anghariel. “Would you mind if I start with you?” He laughed. “Nope. It would be my pleasure.”
This is a book of short stories. They are all set in the same era, well into the future of the Solar System, when humanity has colonised Mars, and is mining the asteroids. There are androids whose appearance makes it impossible to tell them apart from humans. They have even achieved the ability to feel some kind of emotions. Mars is being slowly terraformed, and humans can stay outside for short periods, but humanity still has all the same foibles as we have now. Some of the stories have the same characters appearing, but all are separate and complete.
Blurb
Glimpserama is a glimpse into one of mankinds possible futures. The first attempt is to begin colonizing the solar system and beyond. Although technology may have advanced, will Man have learned the improved ways of living along with such progress? Maybe not! We see that though Man has moved forward with technology, he is still the same marred creature he ever was, with very much the same old problems of morality and the simple ability to get along with his fellow man. Here are fifteen stories of the human condition in the thirty-third century.
Story
The stories in this book are excellent. They hold the attention throughout. I found I had to read to the end of each one. They are very varied. From detective mysteries to explorations beyond the solar system, to wars, we find a great variety of tales.
Characterisation.
Being short stories, there is little time for the characters to develop, although it was fascinating to follow the increasing self-awareness and growing emotions in one of the androids. The characters had human foibles (except for the androids, of course), and felt real.
Writing.
This is the weakest part of the book. There are a great many punctuation errors that I found somewhat disconcerting, especially when Roxburgh put some of the same person’s words on a different line after the dialogue tag. He also puts the quotation marks before the comma, full stop, question mark, etc., and he does not seem to fully understand the use of apostrophes. S ometimes they are in the correct place, but other times they are scattered in plurals. There are places where he puts commas instead of a full stop and question marks where it’s not a question. He also has a habit of using obscure words, many of which I had to look up. Not helpful for a clear and enjoyable reading. There are also some spelling mistakes (lead instead of led, dyeing instead of dying, for example.)and wrong word usage (like conceded instead of conceived, and peculiarly for particularly).
Conclusion
I do have to commend Roxburgh on his research, though. It is thorough and accurate as far as present day science is concerned. Who can say how accurate his foretelling might be? All in all, in spite of the grammar errors, the stories are good, and so I decided to only remove 1 star from my review.
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![Glimpserama by [Major Roxbrough]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51EmpuXWbhL.jpg)
Dragons Rule OK. V.M.Sang (author) 