As Rome Destroys Everything in its Shadow - an Editorial Review of "Red Fury Rebellion"

Book Blurb:

During the Year of Four Emperors, Rome was destroying everything in its shadow—including Julius Agricola’s goal to return to Britannia to find his son. Julius had the perfect plan: become a senator, establish the right connections, and glean an appointment back to Britannia. In this battle of Caesars, everything went wrong.

Bonus story

What happens when your best friend isn't? Oh the Games Romans Play.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/5oRG9t

Author Bio:

J. F. Ridgley

Editorial Review:

“Does my new palace not rival every throne in the Empire?” Caesar asked those nearest him. “Any who visit my little home will be green with envy of Rome’s magnificence long after they leave.”

Rome has long been celebrated for its grandeur, standing as a beacon of strength and virtue in the eyes of the world. Yet, beneath its illustrious facade, a darker reality thrives. The city, once a vibrant hub of life and culture, was reduced to ashes by the heartless decree of its emperor. Flames roared through the streets, engulfing homes and heritage, leaving behind only charred remnants of what was. Property and slaves were mercilessly seized, leaving families shattered and futures bleak. An iron grip of obedience tightened around the hearts of its citizens, where defiance was met not with mercy, but with the chilling certainty of death.

 Gnaeus Julius Agricola, commonly known as ‘Julius’, was not particularly interested in the politics of Rome, nor did he agree with everything happening around him. However, he understood that taking on the role of a senator was more than just an attempt to contribute to Rome or to prove his worth. His motivations were deeper and more personal. Julius’s son had been kidnapped and taken to Britannia, and so far, no one had been able to locate him. Julius desperately needed a position in Britannia that would fund his journey and provide him with the protection of legions as he fought to recover his son. However, securing that role would prove to be as dangerous as the journey into Britannia itself.

Dive into the gripping world of “Red Fury Rebellion” (The Agricola Series: Season One, Book Three) by JF Ridgley, where Ancient Rome comes alive with all its drama and intrigue. This captivating journey transports the reader to a tumultuous era, filled with unexpected twists and dangers at every turn.

To bring the characters in this novel to life, it’s essential to have a thorough understanding of the historical period. There is no doubt that J.F. Ridgley has invested many hours in researching and crafting the world within this story. The bustling activity in the streets and the detailed depiction of the social hierarchy serve as a backdrop for the characters, allowing them to perform their roles on this vibrant stage. While individuals may change—Senators come and go, and the title of ‘Caesar’ is passed around—the world surrounding the characters remains constant. The author’s world-building successfully brings Rome to life within the pages of this novel, and this achievement deserves recognition.

The cast list for this novel is extensive, containing many names that play significant roles in conveying information to both Julius and the reader. Given the nature of Roman names, which can be quite similar, readers may find themselves referring back to the character list at the beginning of the book to keep track of who each person is. Having advanced knowledge of Roman history, as well as the structure of Roman legions and their leaders, would provide readers with a better understanding of the complexities of the story. Additionally, reading the previous two novels in this series before tackling this one is recommended, as it will help readers become familiar with the characters and their backgrounds before the high-stakes events unfold.

“God, Jesus, whoever you are, wherever you are, all I ask is that I see my son one day,” Julius prayed. All he could think to do to appease this Christian god was to kiss the Iceni medallion and offer it to the night sky “Please. If you are out there, please hear me.

Julius' involvement in the Senate brings him close to each of the emperors as the title shifts from one to another, although his motives may not be as clear as he presents them. His main goal is to ensure the safety of those he loves, particularly his wife and daughter, and he works hard to keep them away from danger. Despite his efforts, he struggles to get any closer to finding his son. Glimpses into the Boresti Tribe provide insight into how Julius' son is faring and highlight the contrasting traditions of those in Britannia compared to those in Rome. This contrast is significant, and the time spent in Britannia with Colin offers a more rounded perspective of this historical era, rather than focusing solely on Rome.

Although Julius is the main character of this novel, it can be challenging to form an emotional attachment to him while reading. He often does not express his emotions and frequently appears almost bored in his role as a senator. This demeanour contrasts with the novel’s suggestion that he is struggling with desperation and longing for the return of his son. Perhaps having read the previous two novels helps readers connect with Julius, but entering his journey at this point in the story makes it difficult for readers to relate to him on an emotional level

The high priest stopped everyone and waved his staff to the skies, blessing the day. When released, doves scattered in all directions. The priest nodded his approval, and the imperial parade strode through the massive doors.

This novel emphasises a period of significant political turmoil in Rome, marked by the reign of four different emperors in a single year: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian. Although the protagonist, Julius, sometimes appears indifferent to the state of Rome, he highlights the prevailing uncertainty of the time. Julius, despite his apathy toward his senatorial duties unless they served his self-interest, could not ignore the instability of the changing Caesars. The position is stained with blood, and allegiances are shallow when lives are at stake. Individuals often make choices that prioritise their own survival, frequently without considering the broader consequences, driven by an intense desire for self-preservation. The fear and uncertainty of this era are vividly conveyed throughout the novel, as loyalties shift and evolve. As the reader progresses, it becomes challenging to determine which characters to trust and which to despise, as Julius constantly alters his perspective on individuals based on the unfolding events. To trust one character is often to be betrayed a few chapters later, fostering a growing sense of caution towards everyone. This dynamic effectively illustrates the dangers of living in such a precarious time. The author has done an admirable job of immersing the reader in the palpable fear that accompanies Rome’s crumbling stability, making it clear that no one’s future or safety is guaranteed.

In a year of chaos, as Rome grapples with the shifting power of four different emperors, a gripping tale emerges—a father's unwavering determination to reunite with his son amid the treacherous landscape of Roman politics. "Red Fury Rebellion" (The Agricola Series: Season One, Book Three) by JF Ridgley captures this desperate pursuit with breathtaking intensity. For those interested by Roman history, this series offers a powerful and immersive exploration of the brutal realities faced by those who wield influence during the infamous Year of the Four Emperors. Join the journey and experience the relentless struggle for love and survival in a world turned upside down.

*****

“Red Fury Rebellion” by JF Ridgley receives four stars from The Historical Fiction Company

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