Did not finish.

This will primarily be a review of the audiobook.

So this book features a lot of characters from the Christian? Bible? Don’t know, don’t care. I’m not into religious dogma. I’m also unfamiliar with much of Roman history or the many names. I have a hard time with names in general. Which led to me struggling to follow along.

I was fucking lost the entire time I was listening to this book. Every few minutes, I felt myself getting confused, bored, and zoning out. Then I’d realize I was lost and had no idea what the hell was going on again. So I’d try to start paying attention again, only for it to happen again.

I want it known, I tried to continue on with this book. I listened to a few hours worth (stopping somewhere in the 9-hour range, listening at 2.0 – 2.55x speed.) I ended up leaving the book out of boredom and with a desire to review something shorter to not fall behind on reviews. Nine days and 9 reviews later, I returned to this book out of obligation to the author…. and I lasted another couple of hours before finally accepting defeat.

The reason I went so in detail about why I couldn’t get into this book is that I don’t think it’s a bad book, it’s just not for me. I also can’t stand reviews that are just “I got this as a review copy. This book good! / this book bad!” That’s just lazy and disrespectful to the person that gave them a review copy. The book is very descriptive. It seems well written, planned, and researched. Not that I’d know otherwise. As I said, I know little of Roman history or Bible characters.

Overall, the narrator does a great job. Somebody should tell him there’s no e in apricot. It’s not an “Ape-ricot”. Other than that annoyance, his voices and acting were excellent. You can tell he takes his job seriously.

NOTE: This copy was provided to me free of charge as a digital review copy. The opinions stated in this review are mine and mine alone, I was not paid or requested to give this book a certain rating, suggestion, or approval. ( )

3.5 Stars ( )

I almost didn't read this novel because of the cover--evil expression on the statue's face--foolish reason. I am very glad I did read it though. Well written and very informative, it's the story of the Jewish War of the mid-first century AD from the beginnings, a successful Jewish revolt against Florus, the venal Roman procurator of Judea, up to and including the siege of Jotapata by three Roman legions bent on brutal reprisal, under Vespasian and Titus, his son. We follow a Jewish stonemason, Judah, and his twin brother, the scholar-stonemason Asher, and the Jewish general, Yosef [aka Josephus] and the Jewish formation of an army on the Roman model, with preparations for battle. We also follow the Roman army in alternating sections.

I liked the two brothers but Josephus left me cold, knowing what the latter did and was, historically. Here in the novel the author tried to soften his actions. The author conveyed the time and place to me perfectly. I learned a lot about Jewish customs of that time period and about that War. This was an excellent portrayal of Vespasian, a favorite historical figure. Of the action, the siege and Jewish defense were very well told. Especially I admired the actions of Eleazar, nicknamed Atlas, a giant of a man, who gave his life in bold defensive action. Both armies respected him for his bravery and quick-thinking exploit. This is the first volume of a projected tetralogy. I am eager to read the upcoming volumes. Highly recommended! ( )

A good read. Blixt looks at the Judean War of 66AD. He focuses on the character of a stone cutter/mason and revolves the story around him and those in his life. I would recommend the book as a relatively easy read and worth the time for the history it reveals while still being a novel. ( )