George Green (1) (1956–)

Author's retelling of the Irish legend of Cuchullain. narrated by his faithful charioteer, Leary. It begins with Leary's shipwreck on the Irish shore, rescue by Ulstermen, and his lifelong association with the Champion of Champions, Cuchullain. It was pretty slow until about page 350 or so, then it really picked up with the battles with Queen Maeve of Connaught, ending with Cuchullain's death and dissolution of the kingdom of Ulster. Fantasy elements are pretty much left out.

Now I'm tempted to read The Táin: From the Irish epic Táin Bó Cúailnge. The novel had all the elements of a good epic, but the tone--Leary's inner thoughts, opinions, and musings--just put me off and spoiled the book for me. It seemed as though the author was trying hard to be TOO clever and TOO humorous. Leary came across to me as a smart aleck. I wonder why no one caught these: Julius Caesar fighting Boudicca although Britain hadn't been conquered yet; Julius tried [and failed]. I don't know the supposed time period of the story, Leary, a born German who has lived in Rome for awhile mentions the Colosseum several times, but the latest emperor he mentions is Nero. The Colosseum wasn't even built until later. Recommended, with reservations.… (mais)

Enjoyable novel about a Romanized German bestiarius. He's ordered by Sejanus [actually Sejanus's servant FOR Sejanus to go to the village of his birth, obtain an unusual animal for the arena and transport it back to Rome. His family will be held hostage until he returns. A spy is in their midst, unbeknownst to Serpicus, companions, and soldiers helping him. There are many exciting scenes, the most memorable being his journey to Germany and the skirmish between Romans and his villagers. There were many implausible incidents and the deus ex machina trope was used too often: last-minute rescues, etc.… (mais)