Title: The Blood of Gods
Author: Conn Iggulden
First published January 1, 2013
409 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780007271177 (ISBN10: 0007271174)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
The Heartstopper series comes to an emotional and heartwarming conclusion in its eagerly anticipated fifth volume. Join Charlie and Nick as they navigate the ups and downs of their final year of school and the challenges of growing up.
With their relationship evolving and changing, how will they cope with the pressures of exams, university applications, and their own insecurities? This poignant and beautifully illustrated graphic novel is a must-read for fans of the series, and a perfect ending to Charlie and Nick’s unforgettable story.
About the Author
I came into this world in 1971, just like most people. I have a hazy memory of half-pennies and sixpences.
Writing has always been my passion – be it poetry, short stories or novels. I pursued a degree in English from London University with the intention of becoming a writer.
After completing my studies, I taught English for seven years and eventually became the Head of English at St. Gregory’s RC High School in London. I have a great deal of admiration for those who still teach, but I don’t miss the endless paperwork and initiatives.
I do miss the rapport I shared with my colleagues in the smoking room and the satisfaction of seeing my students’ faces light up when they grasped a concept.
My Irish mother regaled me with historical tales since I was a child, complete with dates. My great-grandfather was a Seannachie, so perhaps storytelling is in my genes.
My father served in Bomber Command during WWII and later taught math and science. Crucially, he loved poetry and a good story.
Though it seems old-fashioned now, when I started teaching, boys were informed that only girls could excel at English, despite the fact that we can think of many great male writers. My father was enthusiastic about working with wood and numbers, but he also recited ‘Vitai Lampada’ with a gleam in his eye, and that counts for something.
Historical fiction has always been a favorite genre of mine. Hornblower and Tai-Pan, Flashman, Sharpe and Jack Aubrey were my first literary companions, and I still recall the thrill of discovering that there were nineteen more Patrick O’Brian books to read.
I enjoy reading almost anything by David Gemmell, Peter F. Hamilton, or Wilbur Smith.
I believe that the love of a good story unites them all.
That’s all for now. If you’d like to reach me, please leave a comment in the forum or send me a tweet @Conn_Iggulden.
If you’ve read my books, you already know a great deal about what I think. There’s no need to belabor the point.
Conn Iggulden.
Editoral Review
The Blood of Gods, written by Conn Iggulden, is a riveting historical fiction novel that takes readers on a thrilling journey through ancient Rome. Published in 2013, the book showcases Iggulden’s prowess as a master storyteller, blending historical accuracy, vivid imagery, and powerful character development to create an engrossing tale that transports readers to a different time and place.
The Blood of Gods is the fourth installment in Iggulden’s Emperor series, which centers around the tumultuous reign of Julius Caesar, one of Rome’s greatest and most controversial leaders. The book picks up where its predecessor, The Gods of War, left off, tracing Caesar’s rise to power as he battles fierce political enemies, conquers new territories, and navigates the treacherous waters of Roman politics.
Despite being part of a series, The Blood of Gods can be read as a standalone novel, thanks to Iggulden’s careful attention to detail and his skillful exposition of prior events. However, those who have read the previous novels will undoubtedly appreciate the deeper insights into the characters and the historical context.
The novel’s main characters are Caesar and his rivals and allies, as well as the ordinary people caught up in the maelstrom of Roman politics. The setting is ancient Rome and its neighboring regions, evoked with keen descriptions that capture the sights, sounds, and smells of the time in visceral detail.
The conflict in the novel is both intrinsic and external, as Caesar grapples with his own ambitions and doubts, while also fighting against powerful forces that seek to bring him down. The stakes are high, as the fate of the Roman Republic hangs in the balance, with implications that reverberate through the ages.
At its core, The Blood of Gods is a story of power, leadership, and the human cost of greatness. By exploring Caesar’s rise to power in such intimate detail, Iggulden sheds light on the complexities of leadership and the challenges faced by those who seek to change the world.
Iggulden’s writing style is crisp, compelling, and richly evocative. His characters are nuanced and vividly drawn, with both strengths and flaws that make them feel like real people rather than mere caricatures.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with a mix of action, intrigue, and introspection that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. Overall, The Blood of Gods is a masterful work of historical fiction that deserves a place on any reader’s bookshelf.
It is an excellent addition to Iggulden’s Emperor series and a standalone novel that can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in ancient Rome, leadership, or the human condition. This book is 700 pages where each page will leave you wanting more.
