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Crispina

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Posts posted by Crispina

  2. Prepare to get annoyed

    in Colosseum

    Posted

    For those who haven't seen it, here is the new trailer for Spartacus: Blood and Sand -

     

     

    It seems to me to be heavily influenced by Zack Snyder's 300.

     

    If anything, it looks to be a completely new interpretation of Spartacus - something completely beyond Kubrick's and the 2004 Tv movie.

     

    I'm not going to pay good money to Starz to see this, but if it comes out on DVD I may borrow it from my public library for free.

     

    Lots of splatter, I noticed.

     

    -- Nephele

     

     

    I've had quite enough "splatter" from the books I've been reading lately, to last me a good long while. But I suppose I'll have to look in on Spartacus just to see how it's being done.

  3. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    I finished "The Prophecy" and have decided that I did like the story after all but not as much as the others.

     

    Now I am on chapter 14 of "The Eagle in The Sand", the next book in the series, and really am enjoying this book. Lots of characters' names, titles and intentions to learn and keep track of. But as usual, Scarrow writes so well that I can almost feel the heat and sand of Judaea. I'm assuming that this story takes place not so many years (15?) after the crucifixion of Jesus (30AD?), and that is who they refer to as "Jehoshua"?

  4. The Eagle of the Ninth

    in Reviews

    Posted

    (Sorry, I always hit Reply too soon!)

     

    I wanted to say thanks for the heads up. I bookmarked the site and will try to visit on Jan. 6th. Not sure how much I can contribute but it will be very interesting to read what others have to say.

  6. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    Yes, I thought about that too - I agree a story of the Roman navy is something one doesn't read much about. Scarrow has such a talent for describing every detail, even the turning of the ships for instance. It's like you are right there experiencing that. But the story itself is still not very interesting to me, but I need to know what those scrolls are all about so I'll continue on. Can't wait to plunge into the next three books, but then again that means the series will be over.

    I think the actual storyline for the book is interesting, but I like the ones set in Britain the best.

     

     

    The book is growing on me, story too. I'm almost finished, our boys are heroes again! But, I read your post about The Gladiator and am worried that I might not like the ending either. In "The Eagle's Prophecy", there's a line that reads something like, "....fighting like a gladiator". I so want to ask you a question but don't want the spoiler!

  8. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    "The Eagle's Prophecy". Well, this book is staring out rather silly if you ask me. When I first read the word, "pirate", I let out a groan and all I could think of was the whole "Pirates of the Caribbean" hype from several years ago. Not liking the story very well so far, but instead of a groan I did laugh out loud at a particular revelation in chapter fourteen ( even tho it is REALLY silly). This is what I get for complaining about too much blood and guts? :(

     

    But I'll keep reading.

    I found that quite a good story, as the Roman navy is largely forgotten in Roman stories.

     

    ~I am liking The Gladiator. I am halfway through right now and I think it is going to be one of his best stroies yet.

     

     

    Yes, I thought about that too - I agree a story of the Roman navy is something one doesn't read much about. Scarrow has such a talent for describing every detail, even the turning of the ships for instance. It's like you are right there experiencing that. But the story itself is still not very interesting to me, but I need to know what those scrolls are all about so I'll continue on. Can't wait to plunge into the next three books, but then again that means the series will be over.

  9. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    "The Eagle's Prophecy". Well, this book is staring out rather silly if you ask me. When I first read the word, "pirate", I let out a groan and all I could think of was the whole "Pirates of the Caribbean" hype from several years ago. Not liking the story very well so far, but instead of a groan I did laugh out loud at a particular revelation in chapter fourteen ( even tho it is REALLY silly). This is what I get for complaining about too much blood and guts? :(

     

    But I'll keep reading.

    I found that quite a good story, as the Roman navy is largely forgotten in Roman stories.

     

    ~I am liking The Gladiator. I am halfway through right now and I think it is going to be one of his best stroies yet.

  10. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    "The Eagle's Prophecy". Well, this book is staring out rather silly if you ask me. When I first read the word, "pirate", I let out a groan and all I could think of was the whole "Pirates of the Caribbean" hype from several years ago. Not liking the story very well so far, but instead of a groan I did laugh out loud at a particular revelation in chapter fourteen ( even tho it is REALLY silly). This is what I get for complaining about too much blood and guts? :P

     

    But I'll keep reading.

  11. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    "Nice score! Pays off to be patient, eh?"

     

    Heh, when I picked it up today the lady told me it was $10. I told her I thought it was $5. "Oh, no - it's $10". Hmmmm. I bought it anyway, saved $4 plus s/h from Amazon. ha It's a thick paperback.

     

    She also became very excited about Simon Scarrow and this entire book series. "Another author for me to investigate!" she says. Also, she said I could return the book when finished with it and get 25% credit. Since it was the only copy they had, she was hoping I'd bring it back - so she could read it. Also I can use the credit towards the last two books in the series if they happen to come into the shop. Then she proceeds to rattle off this whole list of historical fiction authors that are her favorites wanting to know if I also enjoy them. I told her the only other author I've read is Rosemary Cutliff (whom she didn't know).

     

    And I wouldn't have known about Cutliff or Scarrow if I hadn't found out about them on UNRV.

  12. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    Oh, man bummer. When I picked up Eagle's Prophecy, I requested a search for the next book Eagle in The Sand. The library could not find one copy within the Clevenet system nor the last two books in the series. Not really wanting to purchase the books, I went online anyway to check out Amazon and found some cheaper paperback copies; but then decided to call my local bookstore. They told me they are unable to order me any of the three books as they are unavailable at this time. (He also mentioned that Simon Scarrow must have changed publishers after The Eagle's Prey). Then he suggested the used book store down the street.

     

    Hey, I called them and she went to check her shelves and found a paperback copy of Eagle in The Sand for $5! Better than Amazon's $14. I'm picking it up today

  13. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    The Eagle's Prey, fifth in the series - finished it last night. I had mentioned that after I read the first several chapters that the book seemed "same ole' same ole'"; but, it quickly takes a turn for the better and in a surprising way! I liked this book, even tho the scenes of capture and torture were pretty graphic. Somehow I knew our heroes would come out "smelling like a rose" but there were times when I wasn't sure what Mr. Scarrow had in mind for Cato and Macro and thought the story of one of these character might just end with this book. Kept me reading that's for sure.

     

    Coincidentally, when I opened my email box this morning there was the notice from my library that The Eagle's Prophecy, number six book, was ready to be picked up. Spoiler - back to Rome we go!

  14. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    Crispina - 117AD is when the Ninth disappeared, and that legion was part of Claudius' invasions of Britain. For a nifty little review of Sutcliff's novel, I'd like to point you here: The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff

     

    And I know what you mean about the battle scenes. I actually enjoy the action...you know, kind of just letting yourself go and enjoying for the sake of itself. But those scenes become a bit repetitive. I'm not sure how unique the descriptions can be when they occur so frequently...over and over and over again. I think that's one of the reasons the first two books were particularly strong (because the battles are "new"), and why "When the Eagle Hunts" was fun (because the battles were more unique than the typical roman set-piece battles).

     

    The characters WITHIN the battles, and drama and intrigue BETWEEN the battles, is what makes the books enjoyable.

     

    J

     

    Thanks for giving me the date in regards to the Ninth Legion, and I read your Sutcliff review back when I began her Eagle of the Ninth series. Re the battle scenes, I think Scarrow does such a great job describing those; so don't get me wrong I don't dislike them really. It's just, as you say, after four books it can get repetitive. I've become very attached to Macro and Cato, even Vespasian and Plautius. ha. That's what keeps me reading,too.

     

    CeasarsUnderwear.jpg

  15. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    Picked up "The Eagle's Prey" this morning at the library, number 5 in the series. Will begin reading it tonight!

    Crispina - I finished "Wolves" right before the long weekend. Good story, but not great. Though I felt this book did a lot for the character development of Cato and Macro. I've got the next one on order. How do you like it so far?

     

    I started reading Manfredi's "The Last Legion" which, so far, focuses on the last Western Emperor - Romulus Augustus. From reading the historical notes (the book is fiction), it appears the author's going to tie this into Arthurian legend in Britain.

     

    So far, though, not as strong as Scarrow.

     

    J

     

     

    Don't like to say this, but I'm finding myself skimming over or skipping altogether paragraphs in Eagles Prey when the short swords come out. Guess you just have to be into that sort of thing. Anyway, so far the book is holding my interest. Maximius is not all he seems to be, me thinks. Also, in this book they briefly (so far) mention the Ninth Legion; what year did the disappearance of the Ninth occur? After reading Sutcliff's novels I should know this!

  17. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    JGolomb, have you had a chance to read "The Eagle and The Wolves" yet? I just finished it the other night and the one thing I'll take away after reading it is: "GO! Leave the heads and go!" :)

     

    Let me know what you thought of it. I waiting on the fifth, "The Eagle's Prey", to come as an inter-library loan, as my library only has the first two books in the series.

    Crispina - I think you're psychic. I just started "Wolves" two days ago. Just got past the first battle with the Atrebatan auxiliaries. And yes, the Boars and Wolves need to seriously get the whole head-thing under control. LOL

     

    So far I like it. I think it's a pretty strong beginning.

     

    How does it compare to the others?

     

    Jason

     

    I'm not a book reviewer, but in my opinion it is quite like the one before it - When the Eagle Hunts; but I still enjoyed it. With each book, Mr. Scarrow keeps moving you right along as the Roman-Britain conquest progresses. I'm worried about the title of the last book in the series and what it means for our heroes, but maybe I'm wrong.

  18. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    what is the sequence of titles for the Eagle series. I 'need' to read a series in the order which they are written. I am considering starting this series.

     

    it was Crispina's quote : "GO! Leave the heads and go!" that piqued my interest.

     

    Occassionally I need to read a book that has that written. In balance in a way to Breem's book Eagle in the Snow.

     

    Here, Artimi:

     

    1. Under the Eagle (2000)

    2. The Eagles's Conquest (2001)

    3. When the Eagle Hunts (2002)

    4. The Eagle and the Wolves (2003)

    5. The Eagle's Prey (2004)

    6. The Eagle's Prophecy (2005)

    7. The Eagle in the Sand (2006)

    8. Centurion (2007)

    9. The Gladiator (2009)

  19. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    JGolomb, have you had a chance to read "The Eagle and The Wolves" yet? I just finished it the other night and the one thing I'll take away after reading it is: "GO! Leave the heads and go!" :)

     

    Let me know what you thought of it. I waiting on the fifth, "The Eagle's Prey", to come as an inter-library loan, as my library only has the first two books in the series.

  20. WW1 German sympathies in high US places?

    in Historia in Universum

    Posted

    The Military Channel showed the documentary, "Paris 1919" last night (Friday, 11/13). It told of President Wilson's League of Nations. There was archival footage, and I believe it was mentioned that this meeting of world leaders was the first of its kind to be filmed. There were facts I never knew before. Here is just a small blurb I found about the documentary online:

     

    "Based on the book (Paris 1919: Six Months That Changed the World) by Margaret MacMillan

    This documentary tells the story of the Paris Peace conference - an event that remade the world. In the film, we see the world's most powerful men wrestling with the politics of fear and greed in post WWI Europe. "

  24. Simon Scarrow

    in Libri

    Posted

    Ok, finished When the Eagle Hunts last night - third in Scarrows book series. A great opening scene with a ship wreck that is written so well I felt like I was right there. Then lots of bloody battle and hand to hand combat that takes up nearly the entire first half of the book it seemed to me, with a bit - a bit - of romance. Seemed like I was reading a video game, even tho I never played one, when heads started to be lopped off here and there. I would have liked more story about after the capture of the characters from the shipwreck told from the woman's point of view. But you never hear from her until the very end and she doesn't say much at all.

     

    I have to ask, is the character Boudica suppose to be THE Queen Boudica? And one particular death startled me with it's brutality and I have to confess the mental picture of it bothered me a long time.

     

    Again, I have to say I did enjoy the book very much but think that so far it is the shortest. Hooray for Cato! But does this mean the dynamic duo Macro and Cato will be separated now? I guess I'll find out in book number four - The Eagle and the Wolves.

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