‘The Walls Of Rome’ by Robert. M. Kidd is a historical fiction novel. One that I flew through in no time at all.
We meet Sphax, in 218BC. He is a 17-year-old who is tormented by his parents bloody murders at the hands of Rome. He decides to escape his slavery and attempt to find Hannibal’s army. He wants to reclaim his birthright and also have his revenge on Rome.
A novel that, once I sat down and began that first page I was no longer in my house, I was with Sphax right there. The historical detail alone was enough for me to feel like it was almost real. I don’t know anything about this time in history so for me, this was a little bit of heaven wrapped up in a book!
The author takes us on the legendary journey of Hannibal over the Alps. We are treated to an exhilarating adventure in which we take in the fascinating details of everything; the people, weapons, the animals which include horses and elephants too. This magnificent escapade is a palpable treat to the senses.
The story is really well-paced and the characters are well developed. Sphax is a boy who is burning with rage against Rome and his single-minded determination to revenge his parents drives him to the extremes of setting out to discover Hannibal’s army. I wanted to sweep this boy up and protect him, that’s how well his character is drawn out.
A story that entertained and educated me from page one. The monumental task of crossing the Alps alone is an impressive feat and I thoroughly enjoyed feeling like I was a part of the adventure with the battles and the brutality all part and parcel of those times it came across as very authentic and real.
I must say I am looking forward to the next book and so happy it dropped through my letterbox today, keep your eyes peeled for my review of that in the near future. If it is as fast, exciting and colourful as ‘The Walls Of Rome’, I will be in for another treat!
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Robert M. Kidd for my beautiful copy of the book.
sharonbeyondthebooks.uk 