Title: The Seven Wonders
Author: Steven Saylor
First published January 1, 2012
321 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780312359843 (ISBN10: 0312359845)
Rating: 3.81
Overview
It is the year 885, and England is in turmoil. The Saxon kingdom of Wessex in the south and the Danish kingdom to the north are at a fragile peace.
Uhtred, a fierce warrior and Viking by nature, finds himself torn between his duty to King Alfred and his loyalty to his Viking heritage. With a wife and children to protect, Uhtred must hold the frontier on the Thames against the invading Vikings who have set their sights on conquering Wessex.
As the power struggles and shifting allegiances threaten to tear England apart, Uhtred must make a difficult choice that will determine the future of his country. With his sword at the ready, Uhtred must navigate the dangerous waters of politics and war to secure peace for his people.
About the Author
Meet Steven Saylor, the brilliant mind behind the beloved Roma Sub Rosa series. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you’re probably already familiar with Gordianus the Finder, the main character in Saylor’s novels.
But did you also know that he’s a New York Times bestselling author? It’s true! Saylor’s Roma and its sequel, Empire, have both found their way onto that prestigious list.
Saylor is more than just a writer, though. He’s also an expert on Roman history and life.
In fact, he’s made appearances on The History Channel as an on-air commentator on the subject.
Despite his deep connection to Roman culture, Saylor was actually born in Texas. He attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned high honors for his studies in history and classics.
These days, he splits his time between two great cities: Berkeley, California, and Austin, Texas.
Editoral Review
Steven Saylor, renowned author of historical fiction, published The Seven Wonders in 2012. In this novel, Saylor explores the seven ancient wonders of the world, set against the backdrop of his vividly evoked Roman Empire.
The Seven Wonders is a perfect blend of history, myth, and fiction that piques the reader’s interest in world wonders, their history and surrounding ancient cultures. The story follows Gordianus, a Roman citizen and detective, as he embarks on a quest to find the seven wonders of the ancient world.
Each chapter tells the story of Gordianus’s journey to each monument, interwoven with tales of legend and mythology that make each wonder come alive. By using vivid imagery, Saylor captures the intricate beauty of each monument, making it easy for the reader to visualize them.
One of the strengths of The Seven Wonders is Saylor’s exceptional writing, which is both engaging and enlightening. He challenges his readers to consider the importance of ancient wonders and to learn about their history in an enjoyable and engaging manner.
Saylor does a superb job of painting a portrait of life in the Roman Empire, with commentary on the significance of the Seven Wonders and their importance to the people of the time. Saylor’s characters are well-developed and relatable, allowing readers to easily connect with them.
The protagonist, Gordianus, is a master sleuth with a sharp wit, and his journey unfolds through his own personal struggles and triumphs. The supporting characters are also well-drawn, and each adds a unique perspective to the story.
The Seven Wonders is an excellent choice for those who enjoy historical fiction, ancient history, and mythical tales. The novel adds to Saylor’s reputation as a master of historical fiction, with a compelling narrative that captures readers’ attention from start to finish.
Saylor replicates the customs, morals, and language of the Roman Empire, providing a captivating and authentic experience for readers. One limitation of the novel is that some readers may find the historical context and details overwhelming.
The Seven Wonders is densely packed with history, and some readers may find it challenging to keep up with the many historical references. However, this is a minor issue that does not detract from the quality of the writing or the significance of the work.
Overall, The Seven Wonders is an enjoyable and informative read that educates us about the wonders of the ancient world. Saylor masterfully combines literature and history, making the ancient world come alive for the modern reader.
He expertly weaves the different strands of history and mythology, demonstrating his knowledge of ancient cultures and events. We highly recommend The Seven Wonders to anyone who wants to learn about ancient history or to anyone who loves a well-crafted story.
We rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
