Gods and Legions: A Novel of the Roman Empire

by Michael Curtis Ford

Book Overview

Fresh on the heels of his successful debut, The Ten Thousand, Ford recreates the remarkable life and times of the Emperor Julian. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312275382
• ISBN13: 9780312275389
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.09 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Gritty ancient combat.

I am a fan of Michael Curtis Ford since reading his book "The Ten Thousand". "Gods and Legions" is even better in my opinion. I won't go into a plot overview since other reviewers have already done a good job. What I would like to add is the superb job Ford does at describing for you ancient combat. Those parts of the book are thrilling to read and he paints a vivid picture of what it might have been like. He also has a brutal account of a gladiator battle!This isn't all about combat however. It is also about religion, ambition, power, and mysticysm. Julian ( a real historical character) is complex and charismatic. I wanted to keep reading to try and figure him out.I am looking forward to Ford's next book!

the greatest Caesar revisited

All the grand words of praise that are in my lexicon are applicable to this author's second book-the detail is remarkable, the depth of character with which he writes, is amazing. Michael Curtis Ford not only writes about historical times & places, he actually has the knack of making you experience them.Michael Curtis Ford makes you realize that heroes are human & not always godlike. They too have dark sides & their heroism can also make them anti-heroic. I found GODS AND LEGIONS like watching a train wreck in the making-you can see where it's going & cannot tear your eyes away.Highly recommended!

A Fabulously Written Tale intriguing to Modern Readers

Although I am far from being a Scholar of the Classics and I do not have a large appetite for historical fiction set in ancient Rome, Gods and Legions, the second novel by Michael Curtis Ford, has an uncanny ability to draw in modern readers with its vivid imagery, fascinating characters, and well written dialogue that would appeal to even those who lack any prior background to the era. Although the story of Emperor Julian is well chronicled in history, it is not necessarily well known. The tale of the unlikely heir, banished to await his execution, and rising unexpectedly to the throne would be fascinating enough. Yet the story that Ford tells progresses towards even more surprising and compelling twists beyond the ascension of the young Emperor. Ford exhibits a fantastic ability to paint a picture of ancient warfare, and adeptly contrasts different armies' strategies, techniques, and dispositions, creating a graphic description of ancient times. Just as easily, Ford shifts gears to provide wonderful dialogue between the protagonists, influenced by classical authors and philosophers. The complex character that is Julian will confuse and dumbfound readers as his bizarre behavior leads to his demise. What motivates his actions? That is left for the reader to interpret. Although it would be easy to summarize the plot, the true art is found in Ford's writing. Overall, Ford's second book is a must read for those who enjoy a well-told story lush with action, imagery, and intellect. One need not be a classical scholar to enjoy this fine tale.

Another Epic Novel masterfully done by Ford

"Gods and Legions" is an excellent follow-up to Ford's other historical novel "The Ten Thousand" (2001). This powerful novel brings us into Julian's world and presents us with the colorful events and personal beliefs that shaped him into the Emperor that men called "Julian the Apostate". Julian's uncle, Constantine the Great, the first Roman Emperor to be an openly devout Christian, had the men in Julian's family killed in a bloody political purge. Julian was an avid student of philosophy in Athens as a young man. While raised by devout Christian guardians, Julian himself was a pagan who believed in restoring Hellenistic religions. At the behest of the Emperor Constantine, Julian joins the battle to reclaim Roman territory in Gaul. In an unexpected victory that astounds everyone, he crushes the barbaric tribes of Gaul and proves himself to be a brilliant commander. He goes on to defy the Emperor and seizes the Empire for himself, becoming the most powerful man in the world.The story is narrated by Caesarius, Julian's personal physician and supposed friend. After Julian's sudden death, we are left wondering where and how far he may have taken the Roman Empire had he continued his rule.It takes skill to breathe new life, as Ford has done, into this fascinating yet enigmatic historical figure, a man of conviction and many contradictions, a man who is at once admired and vilified. The dangerous co-existence of burgeoning Christianity and deeply rooted paganism in 4th Century A.D. is also well-crafted. Ford makes reading ancient Roman history a true pleasure. He is meticulous about historical facts and period detail, and his artful descriptions of butchery with javelins, arrows, swords and elephant tusks are nothing if not convincing. His superior research into the physical places and the religious, cultural and political environment of the time has the feel and sense of painstaking accuracy. Another of Ford's strengths as a historical novelist is his insistence on keeping it real, employing Julian's own words in the dialogues whenever possible. Historical fiction fans will eat this up. But even if you are not a fan of historical fiction, for the sheer pleasure of encountering excellence in writing and losing yourself in another place and time, "Gods and Legions" is a must read.Michael Curtis Ford is fast proving himself to being one of the great historical fiction writers of our time.

-Superlative historical fiction

Mike Ford has done it again -- better, if that is possible than his first book The Ten Thousand. Using Caesarius as the narrator of the story we trace Julian's rise to power and subsequent fall. Again the author brings to life histories long gone or forgotten. The battle scenes are superb and G & L draws heavily on ancient sources. Kudos to the author for his superior research. An epic novel about one of the most important time periods of imperial Rome. The relationship between Caesarius and Julian are fleshed out very well and the struggle between Christians and Pagans is beautifully crafted. Gods and Legions is actually an important book examining absolute power with philosophy and morals eerily reminiscent of today's socio-political climate. At times shocking, at times profound, the book does not disappoint in any capacity. A must read for anyone interested in politics, religion and military affairs, not to mention fans of historical fiction.