Title: Rome Unconquered, 1599
Author: Darren S. Catallo
Publisher: Newman Springs
ISBN: 979-8896172475
Pages: 344
Genre: Action & Adventure / Historical Fiction
Reviewer: Anthony Avina
Hollywood Book Reviews
Far more often than not, many stories involving war focus on the soldiers who fought in those wars and the politicians behind them, from ancient battles between warring kingdoms to modern-day political driven wars spurred on by acts of terrorism. Yet not everyone impacted by war finds themselves on the frontlines of battle but instead involves innocent civilians who live in the areas where battles and wars are fought. Understanding how people live through those perilous moments and getting an understanding of both civilians and soldiers alike is crucial to comprehending the impact of war overall.
In author Darren S. Catallo’s Rome Unconquered, 1599, readers get the full experience of life for soldiers and civilians during a time of war in an alternative historical view of what would have happened if Rome had not fallen when it had. In the year 1599, Rome still existed as an empire and faced a new battle against a ruthless Bavarian army for contested land separating their two empires. The war, led by the Fourth Italian Legion known as Legio IIII Italica, impacts everyone, and the story follows centurions, spies, artists, and even village idiots as the Romans face off against the Bavarians in this unique action and adventure story into a history far different from the one people know.
At first glance, the author’s writing style fits both the historical context of the narrative with its exploration of Rome’s confirmed history and how it would have evolved if events had not occurred the same way, as well as the unique humor found in the author’s writing tone. The multiple POVs that readers are treated to in this book, exploring off handedly the unique personalities of historic figures such as Caesar and Cato Rubio that the author built into the backstory, to one of this reviewer’s favorite storylines involving Roman spy Lukas Drusus, and his unique approach to spy craft and intelligence work showcased how the Roman Empire could have evolved had its vision for a lasting legacy really been fulfilled. The balance of this alternative history world-building and action allowed those humorous dialogues and character moments to really shine in the book as well.
For those who enjoy historical fiction, especially those who explore alternative history and speculative fiction with a load of action and adventure thrown into the narrative, this is the perfect book to get into, especially if the reader enjoys anything involving the Roman Empire. The lighter moments of the dialogue between certain characters helped make the more tense, atmospheric moments that highlighted relationships and behaviors amongst certain individuals in the Roman military hierarchy, and the detailed exploration of the Roman Empire kept me enthralled and invested in the characters of this story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!