Battling for the Empire's Future and Their Souls - an Editorial Review of "Mask of Romulus"

Book Blurb:

In the founding of Rome, Romulus was guided by the gods and his visions. Centuries later, Augustus, Rome's first emperor, calls upon those same forces to navigate civil war, assassination attempts, and his own inner demons. But when he crosses paths with Kamala, an oracle from India, their unexpected bond alters the course of history. Mask of Romulus is a tale of love and destiny, of warriors and rulers, battling not just for the empire's future, but for their very souls.

Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/vVDFvwq

Author Bio:

My first novel, The Road to Moresco, explores the dramatic events and emotional upheaval of Maria-Luisa Moresco and her daughter, Chiara as they persevered in the world events of the 1900's. This was a personal story, a work of passion, a work deeply emotional and vulnerable for me to write. Most of the book is true to the events and lives of these real-world women, cobbled together from interviews and recorded historical events. The fiction part is in wending it all together as I imagined it did. In the end I found myself humbled, inspired, awed, and grateful.

I have been blessed with the support and encouragement of friends and family to turn my research of my story of origin into The Road to Moresco, and the critics seemed to agree, with many 5 star reviews and being named a Golden Book selection by Literary Titan.

Mask of Romulus is my second historical fiction novel. Building on the critical acclaim received for "Moresco," I endeavored once again to bring "emotional depth, historical insight and a rhythmic narrative that resonates with intellectual rigor and vulnerability."

Critics have noted a tonal kinship in my novels with others such as The Remains of the Day and A Hidden Life, and will also appeal to fans of Conn Iggulden, Robert Graves, or Mary Beard. My stories tend to evoke profound emotional atmosphere supported with philosophical depth and historical detail. When I find time to write, I am committed to crafting narratives that explore new creative terrain that inspire readers to rediscover the hidden courage shaping history. I enjoy exploring themes of ambition, resilience, political oppression and personal growth.

My second novel, Mask of Romulus, builds on the encouragement and support my debut novel received.

I am a resident of New York City, a father and husband, with personal passions that inform and shape my literary style, including music, photography, cooking, and games of strategy.

Editorial Review:

Title: Mask of Romulus

Author: Mark Jamilkowski

Rating: 4.5

"Mask of Romulus" by Mark Jamilkowski is a work of historical fiction set in the 1st century BC that weaves together the stories of two prominent figures from the ancient world: grand nephew of Julius Caesar- Imperator Caesar Augustus formerly known as Octavian and Kamala, the oracle and seer of Ujjain India whose visions are said to have led her to the courts of the most powerful man on earth.

''A sharp pain coursed through Caius’ body. He wanted to curl into a ball. He felt rage, a seething hatred like lava that flowed through his veins. It coursed up his spine, becoming his very being. It was more than the indignation of being beaten physically... It was a physical manifestation of the lack of control he despised, the lack of faith in a fate he felt waited for him...Caius could not move except to writhe his legs and flail his arms in defiance. Tears and frustration transformed his brilliant blue eyes into something else, something terrifying... “Stay in the dirt where you belong,” Paulus said, his tone mocking. “You father was nothing, you will be nothing.""

This passage depicts a critical scene in the life of Octavian. It reveals a moment of humiliation that left a lasting psychological wound and that also served as a catalyst to his weakness' conversion into a cold, enduring and vengeful resolve. Here, Jamilkowski uses visceral and elemental language "sharp pain" "taste of blood" "dirt-caked face" which grounds his experience in raw immediate sensation, that makes the reader feel his physical helplessness. He also uses metaphors "seething hatred like lava" to illustrate the kind of anger that as rising within him- destructive and born of immense internal pressure. Externally, Ocatavian is pinned and writhing while internally he is a volcano of "seething hatred." This is a stark contrast that beautifully highlights the secret power he is cultivating in his powerlessness.

"Many claimed to be born under the sign of the comet, but across the kingdom only Kamala was verified to have been born at the precise moment the comet appeared. The auspicious omen both amused and concerned her parents, their initial dismissal of Arijit and his forecast notwithstanding."

This passage reveals Kamala not just as a special child but as a uniquely destined individual whose life is framed as one guided by a celestial omen. Here, Jamilkowski introduces what is central to her character- a divine appointment and purpose. His decision to use the word "verified" is brilliant and introduces a sense of objective. Additionally, his use of the conjunction "but" in the first part of the sentence creates a powerful syntactic pivot that dismisses popular claims to establish an undeniable truth.

 “You are the most precious gift I can give to Augustus. Sending you to him emphasizes how critical and important this request is. He will learn to rely on your visions and abilities, as I have...The Parthian monopoly on trade with the east cuts into their profits. The Romans are the wealthiest trading partners for them, so more trade with Rome and more through Alexandria suits their purposes. I am taking advantage of their eagerness and monetary interests to achieve a much grander goal." “Who will go with me?” Kamala’s voice was almost a whisper.

This passage is a headliner- the moment the central mission of Kamala's storyline gets revealed. Jamilkowski choice of word here is strateigic, informative and deeply personal, creating contrast between political necessity and human cost. "Most precious gift" contrasts with "gift" which not only transforms Kamala from a person to an item that will be used to transact. "Critical and important" underscores the state's desperation and "much grander goal" elevates the mission beyond mere trade. The structure brings out a powerful but jarring sequence, that captures a declaration, a justification and lastly, a muted, human response. It raises the stakes, sets the stage for the climax of an entire cross-continental journey all while forcing the reader to start fearing for her dignity and future.

"Mask of Romulus" by Mark Jamilkowski finds its significance in its ambitious fusion of grand historical narrative with intimate character study which moves it away from the traditional boundaries of its genre. It insists that the story of Rome is incomplete without understanding its place in a wider world and that the figures we see as marble icons were once vulnerable, complex people whose choices were shaped by personal pain, cultural context, and encounters with other great civilizations. It is undoubtedly a significant work because it aims not just to entertain, but to expand the reader's understanding of the past and reflect on the enduring nature of power, destiny, and human connection.

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