Empire
The Novel of Imperial Rome
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3 Months Free
Empire
Buy Now for £16.99
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Narrated by:
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James Langton
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By:
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Steven Saylor
"May Steven Saylor's Roman empire never fall. A modern master of historical fiction, Saylor convincingly transports us into the ancient world...enthralling!" —USA Today on Roma
Continuing the saga begun in his New York Times bestselling novel Roma, Steven Saylor charts the destinies of the aristocratic Pinarius family, from the reign of Augustus to height of Rome's empire. The Pinarii, generation after generation, are witness to greatest empire in the ancient world and of the emperors that ruled it—from the machinations of Tiberius and the madness of Caligula, to the decadence of Nero and the golden age of Trajan and Hadrian and more.
Empire is filled with the dramatic, defining moments of the age, including the Great Fire, the persecution of the Christians, and the astounding opening games of the Colosseum. But at the novel's heart are the choices and temptations faced by each generation of the Pinarii.
Steven Saylor once again brings the ancient world to vivid life in a novel that tells the story of a city and a people that has endured in the world's imagination like no other.
Critic reviews
“The Pinarii characters afford an excellent lens through which to view both imperial and daily life, and the great events of the span from 14 CE through 141 CE, including the Great Fire, the persecutions of Christians, numerous military campaigns, and, of course, insanity and perversion among the emperors. Saylor is an excellent guide through this fascinating underworld. Superb historical fiction.” —Booklist (starred review)
“Saylor's encyclopedic knowledge and sense of detail are on ample display, as is his impressive ability to weave centuries of history into an entertaining narrative...[a] magnificent feat of storytelling.” —Historical Fiction Review
“May one day be seen as his magnum opus. It is certainly the most ambitious of his novels thus far, and the grandest in its sweeping scope and attention to detail...full of power and pathos.” —Ben Witherington, The Bible and Culture
“I rate a book by whether I simply read it or devour it. This I devoured.” —Rob Cain, Ancient Rome Refocused
“Meticulous research and brilliant storytelling... What impressed me most was the novel's powerful emotional impact: the pain of unrequited love, hopes disappointed or friendship betrayed as well as the joy of a love returned, spiritual enlightenment or simply being alive. This is a great book by a great writer.” —newbooks magazine
“Love stories, including forbidden ones, intrigue, action in the Arena, thrilling escapes, tons of 'it can't be true but actually it was' anecdotes...as well as many superb characters--you will find all in these almost 600 pages. With extraordinary detail and world building, Empire is a clear work of love for the author and the single best novel he has written.” —Fantasy Book Critic
“Historical events provide plenty of depraved details and comparisons that beg to be drawn to today; lions and gladiators in the arena, volcanic eruptions, live burials, and master illusionists abound to fire up any number of dinner conversations....Recommended for anyone who enjoys Roman history.” —Library Journal
“Saylor...vividly describes how the family survives the volcanic destruction of Pompeii, the burning of Rome, and the persecution of Jews and Christians.” —Publishers Weekly
“Filled with tales of intrigue, ambition, violence, and suspense...a vivid evocation of the bloodthirsty, chaotic spectacle that was ancient Rome, and an example of how the best historical fiction brings the past to life.” —Archaeology Magazine
And it is! It lasts for a long time so will keep you going until the next credit rolls in. But is it any good?
Yes, for the most part it's well written, has interesting characters and is almost a history lesson without becoming boring or dry.
It follows one family, from generation to generation, as they deal with the various emperors and great events that shaped the mighty Rome. It's all set within Rome itself and it's mainly about people and political events, so don't expect battles or heroic centurions. This is no Ben Kane or Douglas Jackson book but it works, mostly, just as well as something more action oriented as it's so interesting and so well read - the narrator really does a fine job.
The one downside for me was the fact a) everything is rather bleak and depressing, with lots of descriptions of people being tortured for fun while the people lap it up like rabid dogs and b) there's too much emphasis on the sexual appetites of everyone. It seems like everyone in Rome was either a sadist or a nymphomaniac which might be true for all I know, but it doesn't make for the most exciting book. At times I felt like it was too depressing and I just longed to listen to some throwaway, light fantasy or something fun by the likes of Terry Pratchett.
But, overall, this is a fine audiobook - great value for your credit, with a nice performance by the narrator James Langton, and, in general an interesting and nicely structured tale.
Give it a try!
Epic listen, mostly really good
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Epic
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History in a whole new light.
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Would you consider the audio edition of Empire to be better than the print version?
Not better but every bit a good - more Steven Saylor on audio pleaseAny additional comments?
A really good start which gripped me within a few minutes and it didn't let up. I know Steven Saylor's work quite well and was delighted to see this title available from Audible but disappointed there are no more of his Roman novels available too. A really well read and thoroughly absorbing story narrated over a timescale greater than one lifetime.A sweeping historical inter generational saga
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What made the experience of listening to Empire the most enjoyable?
The combination of historical fact and fictional family story make this a really easy way to brush up on Roman history.What was one of the most memorable moments of Empire?
The evocation of the fire at which Nero supposedly serenaded as the city burned. some interesting ideas about who and why the fire was started.What aspect of James Langton’s performance might you have changed?
Found the female voices irritatingly coy and "twittery"Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I found the story easy to listen to while doing other things and also easy to pick up if left for a few days.Not a listen that you needs 100% concentration.Any additional comments?
As long as you take some of the "facts" with a pinch of salt this is a really entertaining listen. Not for scholars of Roman history perhaps but for those of us who have long since forgotten everything except the debauchery of Caligula and the vanity of Nero,it is a great reminder.History made simple
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